Bartow, Fla. (February 10, 2022) — On Monday, February 14, Florida Midland Railroad Company, Inc. will close Hunt Brothers Road at their rail crossing west of Lilly Street near the Hunt Brothers Citrus Growers Cooperative in Lake Wales. The two-day long repair project will be the first of six scheduled along nearly nine miles of Florida Midland tracks from Lake Wales to Frostproof. Traffic will be detoured to bypass closed crossing. Motorists can use County Road 17-B and Lewis Griffin Road as alternate routes to Hunt Brothers Road. Commuters are advised to drive carefully, follow detour signs, and add extra time to trips through this are

Contact Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at 863-535-2200 for further details.

Lake Wales High School Basketball Team Wins District Title

by James Coulter

There is no ‘i’ in ‘team’, the old saying goes. This is a saying that 16-year-old Jameria Robinson and her teammates not only keep to heart, but which has allowed them to win big.

Jameria and her teammates won big last week after the Lake Wales High School Women’s Varsity Basketball Team won district title with a total season wins of 18 to 4.

Jameria has been an athlete since the 5th grade, when she and her cousins would visit Kirkland Gym and sign up for sports teams. They would often play drills outside, which allowed her to train herself in the game and perfect her sportsmanship.

However, at the end of the day, she owes her success not to her own individual ability, but to the teamwork and cooperation among her teammates. Both practice and chemistry allow them to work together as a team and overcome any obstacle facing them.

They do not focus on grandstanding their own talents on the court. Instead, they focus on supporting each other. At the end of the day, they refuse to play what Jameria calls “selfish ball.”

“With my teammates, we grew as a team and learned each other’s skills and play each other and share the ball,” she said. “That is what got us the championship…Practice and chemistry got us so far, and our chemistry has been way better, no drama in our team, we are friends on and off the court, and we always go hard in practice, if you don’t go hard in practice, you don’t go hard at the game.”

Her mother, LaKendra McMath, as with all good parents, feels nothing but pride for her daughter and her teammates. She attributes her daughter’s success to her keeping her eyes on the prize.

“We owe her success to her hard work and being extremely dedicated to basketball,” McMath said. “She let’s nothing distract her…[and] I am hoping she gets a scholarship to go to college.”

Even though they lost four games, Jameria and her team remain determined to go out on the court and do their best. Their best already allowed them to win more than 18 games and counting, and Jameria hopes to continue playing and winning championships back-to-back.

“My expectation is to get another championship for my team next year, and for the future, keep our champs going regularly,” she said. “The job is not done. We will go to the state and be the first team in Lake Wales girls to make it out, because we want to be the word around town.”

Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales Police Department has arrested Alex Rodriguez II, of Sebring, Florida and charged him with grand theft of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of a crash without giving information, and burglary of a business. The following is a long exerpt from the Lake Wales Police Department affidavit and specifically (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 02/04/2022, I responded to the Love’s Travel Stop, located at 17309 Hwy 27, in reference to a grand theft auto. I met with officers already on scene who updated me on what occurred. At the conclusion of my investigation I determined the following:

Witness, REDACTED, was pulling into the parking lot of Love’s at approximately 0400 hours when he
observed a dark colored vehicle parked near Love’s tire service center. This vehicle (tag #REDACTED) was later confirmed to be registered to the defendant, Alex Rodriguez II. REDACTED stated the vehicle accelerated through the parking lot and cut him off, stopping in front of him near pump 1. REDACTED then observed Rodriguez exit the
vehicle and run towards a Love’s work truck, which had just been left unlocked by its driver. Rodriguez then entered the Love’s work truck and quickly accelerated towards the Love’s exit to Hwy 27.

A second witness, REDACTED, said Rodriguez approached him on the north side of Love’s Travel Stop, in a section exclusive to semi-trucks. REDACTED, observed Rodriguez “cut off” another semi-truck driver next to the gas pumps. Rodriguez then told REDACTED someone had been shot in the back seat of his vehicle. REDACTED immediately called law enforcement. REDACTED then observed Rodriguez enter into a Love’s work truck and drive through the parking lot in an unknown direction. Rodriguez therefore did knowingly and intentionally take the Love’s Travel Stop work truck, without permission, and against the will of the Love’s Travel Stop business.

Show-ups were completed and both REDACTED and REDACTED identified Rodriguez as the suspect they observed taking the Love’s Travel Stop work truck.

At approximately 0438 hours, a vehicle crash was reported at Hwy 27/Hwy 60 E on-ramp. Responding officers discovered one of the involved vehicles was the same Love’s work truck stolen from the Love’s Travel Stop.

Rodriguez, while driving the Love’s work truck, struck the rear of victim, semi-truck not realizing his vehicle had been struck, continued east on Hwy 60 until Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies eventually made contact with him. After fleeing in and crashing the stolen vehicle, Rodriguez did knowingly and intentionally leave the scene of the
traffic crash, without providing information. Rodriguez then walked to Woody’s Barbecue, located at 19501 Hwy 27.

At approximately 0455 hours, officers were advised of an alarm at Woody’s Barbecue. The alarm indicated back dining glass breakage. Officer Ricks responded to the alarm call and immediately located a broken glass door on the north side of the business. Officer Ricks then observed a Hispanic male, wearing blue shorts and no shirt, standing in the middle of the McDonald’s parking lot (416 W Central Ave,) directly east of Woody’s Barbecue. This description matched the description previously provided of the suspect who took the Love’s Travel Stop work truck. The subject was detained and identified as Rodriguez.
I responded to the Lake Wales Police Department and met with Rodriguez. I read Rodriguez his Miranda Rights off my department issued Miranda Rights card. Rodriguez stated he would speak with me Post-Miranda, without an attorney present.

During the interview, Rodriguez stated he had gone to the Love’s Travel Stop. Rodriguez claimed he witnessed a shooting while at the Love’s Travel Stop. Rodriguez stated he then entered a Love’s work truck, which had the keys inside. Rodriguez stated he began driving and was later involved in a
crash involving a semi-truck. Rodriguez confirmed he ran into the back of a semi-truck.

Rodriguez stated he later walked to a restaurant, in the area of where the crash occurred. Rodriguez stated he was supposed to meet an unknown subject at the restaurant to “fight.” Rodriguez advised while at the restaurant, he became thirsty and wanted to get a drink from inside. Rodriguez advised he then used a chair to break the glass door to the business. Rodriguez therefore did knowingly and intentionally attempt to enter or remain in the business with the intent to commit an offense therein. Rodriguez would not advise if he actually
gained entry to the business. Rodriguez then left the business, before being detained by the responding officers.

Throughout Rodriguez’ interview, he made outlandish and far-fetched statements which were later disproved.

These statements gave Rodriguez the appearance of having delusions or being under the influence of illegal narcotics. While completing a vehicle inventory of Rodriguez’ vehicle, Officer Douglas did locate suspected methamphetamine, which could explain Rodriguez’ delusions.

Rodriguez was charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of a crash without giving
information, and burglary of a business.

HAINES CITY. FL- A Winter Haven man with a warrant for attempted murder was arrested in the early hours Of Friday morning following a vehicle pursut and a brief manhunt.

Lemuel Johnson Jr., 36, is being charged by the Haines City Police Department with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing to elude and driving with a suspended or revoked license. He is also charged with burglary of a structure, resisting arrest without violence and false imprisonment by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Johnson was driving a 2017 Ford Escape after 11 p.m. on Thursday when he was pulled over in the area of U.S. 27 and Bates Road. As Officer Haley McDonald made her way to the vehicle and requested Johnson roll down the window, he accelerated toward her, forcing her to jump out of the way to avoid being seriously harmed.
Johnson continued east on Bates Road and was pursued by officers from Haines City and the Davenport Police Department. After being located in the area of Uncle Tony Road and Kalogridis Road, Johnson left his vehicle and ran. A Haines City K-9 was deployed along with Air and Drone Units from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

After a perimeter was set up a nearby resident called to report a “suspicious person” in a trailer on the resident’s property. Johnson was located by the Haines City K-9 and Sheriff‘s Office Air Unit hiding in the trailer. He initially refused to come out. but ultimately surendered. was arrested and later taken to the Polk County Jail.

He initially refused to come out, but ultimately surrendered, was arrested and later taken to the Polk County Jail. The Lake Wales Police Department had an outstanding warrant for Johnson’s arrest for first-degree attempted homicide and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Throughout the pursuit, there was a passenger in Johnson’s vehicle. He was cooperative with the investigation and told law enforcement that he was fearful and pleaded with Johnson to let him out of the vehicle during the pursuit.

“As a result of outstanding police work and collaboration, a very dangerous person is off the streets,” Chief Jim Elensky said. “A suspect wanted for trying to take someone’s life put police officers, his passenger and everyone on the road in danger with these reckless actions. We’re grateful that no one was hurt and appreciate the hard work of everyone involved to put him behind bars.”

Lake Wales, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2022) – The City of Lake Wales Commission approved an agreement with Cobb Site Development, Inc. to perform the construction of the city’s new Park Avenue Connector Trail.

The trail will connect Lake Wailes Park with the historic downtown district at Scenic Highway and East Crystal Ave.

“This is an exciting addition to the Lake Wales trail system,” said Michael Manning, Assistant to the City Manager. “The trail will provide residents and visitors a convenient connection to the historic downtown district from one of our most frequented parks,” Manning noted.

The construction of the 3,000 foot multi-use trail is anticipated to start this spring. Plans include narrowing Park Ave. and closing a section of Third Street to accommodate the trail. Parallel parking will be added to Park Ave.

The Park Avenue Connector Trail is the city’s first step in establishing a network of trails linking residents to parks and area establishments.

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It is the goal of the City of Lake Wales to ensure that the services we provide are as accessible for individuals with disabilities as they are for individuals without disabilities. If this correspondence or any attachments provided do not address your specific needs, please email us and we will work to provide the information to you via alternative means. If you have questions or require additional information, please contact the City Clerk at [email protected]. City of Lake Wales e-mail and web site domain name have changed to Lakewalesfl.gov. E-mails to cityoflakewales.com addresses will no longer be delivered. NOTICE: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this department by phone or in writing.   ­­  

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Lake Wales, Florida – On December 9, 2021, Victory Ridge Academy was awarded a $2,500 Gratitude Grant from Elks National Foundation, Inc. and East Polk Elks #2882. All funding received from the Foundation will go towards purchasing equipment for VRA’s newly developed outdoor classroom.

In light of the 2020 pandemic, Victory Ridge converted an outdoor area, previously used for equine therapy, to an outdoor classroom. The outdoor classroom is under a large 40’ x 40’ shade, and contains a concrete perimeter with ADA compliant bleachers beneath it. The school will be using funding awarded from Elks National Foundation to purchase picnic tables and swing sets.

Both staff and students at Victory Ridge Academy would like to thank the Elks National Foundation, Inc. and East Polk Elks #2882 for their generous donation.

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the U.S.A.’s mission is to inculcate the principles of Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity; to recognize a belief in God; to promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of its Members; to quicken the spirit of American patriotism; to cultivate good fellowship; to perpetuate itself as a fraternal organization, and to provide for its government, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America will serve the people and communities through benevolent programs, demonstrating that Elks Care and Elks Share.

Victory Ridge Academy is a Title 1, 501 (c) (3) non-profit public charter school that exclusively serves children and adolescents with special needs. Victory Ridge Academy is based on the belief of the administration, staff and Board of Trustees that early intervention is crucial to helping children and young adults with special needs to cultivate healthy lifestyles and grow into well-adjusted persons. It is the school’s belief that students need a safe, positive and nurturing learning environment to develop communication skills, social skills, academic and technical skills in order to build their self-confidence and become productive members of society.

For more information about Victory Ridge Academy, please visit the Academy’s website at www.victoryridge.org

Lake Wales Marine Veteran Honored At Orlando Magic Basketball Game

by James Coulter

Orlando Magic honored a Lake Wales veteran for their service during a basketball game on Friday evening.

Kathryn “Kat” Gates-Skipper, a local retired U.S. Marine, was formally recognized for her military service by honoring her as a “hometown hero.”

“Kat” served 20 years in active reserve and became the first female marine in combat operations. Her achievements inducting her into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. She is married to an Army veteran, and they have had two sons together: one in the Navy, and one in the Air Force.

Orlando Magic periodically recognizes first responders, fire fighters, police officers, medical professionals, or military personnel as a “hometown hero” during their games.

“We look forward to receiving nominations for any and all Central Florida heroes,” its website states. “We love seeing nominations for individuals who play a big part in our community and have been recognized for specific achievements.”

Kat was previously scheduled to be recognized at an Orlando Magic game two years ago, but that honor was postponed, along with most games, following the start of the ongoing pandemic.

She and her family were given free tickets and parking passes to attend the game. She arrived there with her son and grandson. They sat at front seats near the court. They were also able to visit the VIP Lounge where they could enjoy free food and drinks.

Prior to the game, the arena hosted a presentation with an announcement on the Jumbotron with pictures of Kat in military uniform and a brief biography of her life and achievements. The national anthem was then performed by a children’s choir prior to the game’s start.

“They took really good care for us,” Kat said. “It made me queen for the day.”

Her favorite part of the game was being able to enjoy it with her family, especially her grandson. He enjoys basketball, and being able to watch a game in person is better than watching it on television, she said.

“I was happy to have one of my children and grandson to recognize my recognition,” she said. “That overwhelmed my heart.”

While she appreciated the honor for her military service, Kat humbly admits that her motivation is purely for the love of her fellow Americans, especially her fellow retired veterans.

“I do things not to give anything in return, but it does make you feel good when people respect you and appreciate the things that you do for others,” she said. “I am just so appreciative that magic would honor me as their hometown hero, and it is good they have such a program available to do that, and I was glad to be a part of it.”

Daily Ridge had reached out to Orlando Magic for an official comment, but had not received a response.

Patricia Ann Barnhill of Lake Wales, Florida passed away on January 25, 2022.

She was born November 22, 1944, in Walker County, Alabama to the late John Thomas and Helen S. Dunn. She retired from the Polk County School Board and was a member of the Forgiven Fellowship Church in Lake Wales. She loved working with computers, belonged to the Senior Circle, and A.A.R.P. She was an amazing Nana who enjoyed time with the family and the beach. 

Pat is preceded in death by her husband; T.C. Barnhill; and her brother Zackrie Taylor; her sisters Linda Suber and Mary Fisher; and her Aunt Johnnie Bea Dunn. 

She is survived by her daughters; Janie Tschida Phillips and husband John of Lake Wales, Velma Ellis and husband Brian of Lake Wales, and Thelma I. Smith of Jacksonville; her son Thomas C. Barnhill Jr. Of Lake Wales; her sisters Helen Hawke of Phoenix, Arizona, Carolyn McDilda of Gardner, Illinois, and Louise Lowman of Dade City; her brothers John T. Dunn of North Carolina, John M. Dunn of Dade City, Michael Dunn of Ohio, and Joseph Dunn of Ohio; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. 

Family will receive friends Saturday January 29, 2022, from 6-8 pm, with services following the next Monday January 31,2022 at 11:00 am. With Reverend Jim Furno officiating.

Lake Wales, Fla. (Jan. 28, 2022) – Jordan Colon, a student at Victory Ridge Academy in Lake Wales got a big surprise when City of Lake Wales police officers presented him with a Kaye Dynamic Stander, a multi-positional standing aid with 360 degrees of movement.

Colon has a developmental disability that affects his balance and postural control, making it difficult to walk unaided.

“This is something special the Police Officers Association wanted to do for Jordan,” said David Black, Deputy Police Chief. “It’s part of our annual Shop with A Cop program that we hold every year with children,” he noted.

The Kaye Dynamic Stander is designed to enable users to pair postural control with function, experiencing the typical weight shifts that accompany reaching, manipulation, speech, eating and self-care activities.

“This is such a bonus for Jordan,” said Dr. Erika Timpe, Director of Therapy Services at Victory Ridge Academy.

The base of the standing aid is equipped with a spring that activates Jordan’s lower extremities and core muscles, strengthening his ability to stand in an upright position.

“As Jordan works with this adaptive device, he will be able to build muscle strength that will enable him to use a walker with adult assistance,” Dr. Timpe noted. 

Not only will Jordan be able to move more freely now, he will also be able to expend some stored-up energy, which is so important for adolescents, mentioned Police Chief Chis Velasquez.

The Lake Wales Police Officers Association is a non-profit organization for police officers to join voluntarily.

Victory Ridge Academy is a non-profit learning center serving students with a variety of special needs, such as Autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Spina Bifida, Down Syndrome and many more.

Following a 6-month-long undercover investigation, Polk County Sheriff’s Office undercover Narcotics detectives made 60 arrests throughout Polk County and obtained eight (8) arrest warrants related to the sale and/or possession of illegal narcotics. The drug sales transactions all took place on three different social media and mobile dating apps: Grindr, Scruff, and Taimi. Grindr was the app with more drug sales than the other apps mentioned. The investigation began in July 2021 when PCSO received a Heartland Crime Stoppers tip indicating that people were openly selling drugs on the well-known dating app Grindr. PCSO detectives created undercover profiles within the app, and found it relatively easy to strike up conversations with those who were selling methamphetamine, cocaine, Ecstasy, LSD, Fentanyl, and marijuana in Polk County. It was clear during the conversations and ensuing undercover drug buys that the suspects’ primary purposes for being on the dating app were to sell drugs – not to find a date. “We’ve known for some time that suspects will use the Internet and social media to prey upon children online, or to engage in prostitution, but this is something we are seeing more and more of in Polk County – suspects who are using dating apps to sell illegal narcotics. Suspects are getting more creative, but so are our detectives. We’re working with these mobile app companies to raise awareness, and asking for their cooperation during our investigations. The good news is, we found that some who were on the dating app were reporting illegal drug sales when it became apparent to them, and the mobile app companies were banning some suspects attempting to sell drugs. When we find drug dealers, we put them in jail.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff Detectives filed 159 total felony and 72 total misdemeanor charges against the suspects during the investigation. Altogether, the suspects have 908 previous charges, including 453 prior felonies and 455 prior misdemeanors. Eleven (11) of the suspects told detectives they receive government assistance. Detectives will continue to monitor social media and dating apps for illegal drug transactions. We encourage the public to send us specific tip information about online drug sellers through Heartland Crime Stoppers at www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward. 
Based on the online drug sales, detectives obtained 52 arrests warrants for those who actually sold illegal narcotics. During the investigation they arrested 16 other suspects related to illegal narcotics. There are still eight suspects with warrants who are at-large. Detectives also served three search warrants at the following addresses: ·        152 Abundant Life Drive, Auburndale·        1550 Robin Street, Auburndale·        2461 Avenue C SW, Winter Haven During the investigation:
·        14 firearms seized (2 were reported as stolen)·        Approximately 280 grams of methamphetamine purchased (street value: approximately $14,000)·        Approximately 3 grams of cocaine purchased ·        Approximately 113 grams (130 pills) of Ecstasy ·        Approximately 1.5 grams of Fentanyl/heroin ·        Approximately 1 gram of LSD·        Approximately 28 grams of psychedelic mushrooms·        Approximately 645 grams of marijuana  Those arrested are as follows (in alphabetical order by first name): Abraham Hope, DOB 06/25/1994 of Davenport·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Adam Cooper*, DOB 03/30/1977 of Lakeland·        Sale of marijuana (F3)·        Possession of marijuana WITS (F3)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Allen Tyson*, DOB 03/21/64 of Bartow·        Sale of marijuana (F3)·        Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Angela Miller-Jordan, DOB 04/30/1966 of Auburndale·        Possession of meth (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Anthony Ballard, DOB 03/08/1975 of Auburndale·        Armed trafficking in meth (Capital Felony)·        Sale of meth (F3)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Possession of firearm by convicted felon (F2)·        Grand theft of a firearm (F3)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Camilo Jaramillo, DOB 12/01/1994 of Haines City·        Sale of marijuana (F3)·        Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Chloe Vandendriessche, DOB 02/13/1995 of Auburndale·        Sale of marijuana (F3)·        Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)·        Possession of weapon/ammo by convicted felon (F2)·        Violation of injunction for protection (M1) Christina Earp, DOB 04/09/1985 of Winter Haven·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Christopher R. Baker, DOB 05/24/1987 of Lakeland·        Sale of meth (F2)

• Possession of meth WITS (F2)

·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)·        Battery domestic violence (3 counts) Daniel Zahony, DOB 11/12/1985 of Lakeland·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth (F3)·        Possession of prescription drug without prescription (M2)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)·        Conveyance burglary (F2)·        Petit theft (M2) Danyell Coggins, DOB 01/14/1975 of Winter Haven·        Possession of meth (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) David Caines*, DOB 12/04/1975 of Mulberry·        Trafficking in meth (F1)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of structure or vehicle for drug sales (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of marijuana (M1)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Dawanda Gunter, DOB 08/02/1997 of Winter Haven·        Sale of marijuana (F3)·        Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Donald King, DOB 08/22/1982 of Lakeland·        Possession and delivery of LSD WITS (F3)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3) Donald Taft, DOB 06/30/70 of Lakeland·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Doug Billings, DOB 01/25/1968 of Auburndale·        Possession of meth (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)·        Resisting arrest (M1) Frederick Bollard, DOB 09/11/1984 of Bartow·        Sale of meth (F2)

• Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)

 Gator Kleizo, DOB 01/22/1966 of Auburndale·        Trafficking in meth (F1)·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jack Bohannon*, DOB 04/16/1953 of Lakeland·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance  Jacob Cogswell, DOB 09/12/1987 of Bartow·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) James Deese, DOB 10/06/1955 of Auburndale·        Trafficking in meth (F1)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jaime Acevedo, DOB 11/09/1986 of Lakeland·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Possession of meth WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jarvis Tibado, DOB 10/11/1982 of Auburndale·        Possession of meth (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)·        Giving false ID to LEO (M1) Jessalyn Humbertson*, DOB 8/24/99 of Winter Haven·        Sale of marijuana (F3)·        Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*she told detectives she receives government assistance Jim Luna, DOB 03/14/1962 of Lakeland·        Sale of marijuana (F3)·        Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)·        Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)·        Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jireh Brooks, DOB 04/13/1996 of Lakeland ·        Sale of meth (F2)·        Conspiracy to sell meth (F3)

• Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)

John Davis, DOB 07/12/1981 of Winter Haven· Trafficking in MDMA (F1)· Possession of heroin (F3)· Possession of cocaine (F3)· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)· Possession paraphernalia (M1) John Panzarella*, DOB 08/30/58 of Winter Haven· Delivery of marijuana (F3)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Jonus Banks, DOB 12/28/1980 of Lakeland· Sale of cocaine (F2)· Possession of cocaine WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Keone Fox, DOB 11/24/1986 of Lakeland· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Maegan McCarthy, DOB 07/14/1984 of Winter Haven· Trafficking in MDMA (F1)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Mar’dasia Brooks, DOB 05/23/1998 of Winter Haven· Possession of marijuana WITS (F3)· Possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Mark Cox*, DOB 01/14/1981 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Mark Scott, DOB 09/15/1963 of Lakeland· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Mary Heffler, DOB 05/17/1972 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Michael Blankenship*, DOB 04/08/1956 of Lakeland· Possession of marijuana (M1)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*an affidavit was filed with these charges Michael Decker, DOB 08/13/1966 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· Resisting arrest (M1) Michael Sonja, DOB 08/06/1975 of Bartow· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Minter Hall*, DOB 07/12/1955 of Bartow· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Nicholas Sferrvzza, DOB 06/07/83 of Auburndale· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of meth (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Noel Heyne, DOB 10/13/1972 of Lakeland (in custody)· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Phillip Carter, DOB 09/24/1965 of Winter Haven · Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Reynaldo Lopez, DOB 06/16/2000 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Richard Sturges, DOB 06/07/55 of Lakeland· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of marijuana (M1)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Robert Reedy III*, DOB 09/17/68 of Winter Haven· Sale of marijuana (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Rodney Bacon, DOB 01/06/80 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Rodney Davis*, DOB 05/03/1972 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth with intent to sell (WITS) (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Ronald Stowe, DOB 04/09/1958 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· VOP (F3) Scott Ledington, DOB 12/06/1966 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Stacey Shepherd, DOB 11/29/1966 of Auburndale· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Thomas Bohuslaw*, DOB 05/30/1965 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)*he told detectives he receives government assistance Timothy Machado, DOB 08/10/1972 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Ty’Bias Giles, DOB 08/12/1999 of Lakeland· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· Carrying concealed firearm (F3)· Armed robbery (Capital Felony)· Aggravated battery with deadly weapon (F2) Tyler Oliver, DOB 04/10/1998 of Winter Haven· Sale of marijuana (F3)· Possession of marijuana WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Wandy Noel, DOB 10/22/1991 of Winter Haven· Driving while license suspended (knowingly) (M2) William Anglin, DOB 08/10/1987 of Bartow· Delivery of marijuana (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3) William Waddell, DOB 02/07/77 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Detectives obtained arrest warrants for these eight (8) suspects: Adam Trembley, DOB 08/14/1982 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2) · Sale of marijuana (F3)· Possession of marijuana WITS (F3)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Angelo Lopez, DOB 10/28/1986 of Lake Wales· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Christopher Wright, DOB 04/16/1989 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Donovan Brandt, DOB 03/18/1983 of Lake Wales· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Jesse Velez-Pagan, DOB 10/03/1990 of Dundee· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) John Rials, DOB 12/05/1978 of Winter Haven· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Matthew Gamwell, DOB 07/07/1982 of Lake Wales· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Use of two-way communication device to commit felony (F3)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Willy Dunn, DOB 11/26/1994 of Lake Wales· Sale of meth (F2)· Possession of meth WITS (F2)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) During the investigation, these three (3) suspects were also arrested/charged: Joshua Allen, DOB 09/13/1980 of Auburndale· Armed trafficking in meth (Capital Felony)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1) Henry Sanchez, DOB 10/19/1994 of Orlando· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of prescription drug without prescription (M1)· Resisting arrest (M1)· Battery on LEO· Giving false info to LEO Robert Tillis, DOB 03/09/1973 of Mulberry· Possession of meth (F3)· Possession of prescription drug without prescription (M1)· Possession of paraphernalia (M1)