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Fire Rescue Calls More Than Double Post Hurricane Irma

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Fire Rescue Calls More Than Double Post Hurricane Irma

Fire Rescue Calls More Than Double Post Hurricane Irma

Bartow, Fla. (September 15, 2017) — Polk County Fire Rescue calls for service spiked since Hurricane Irma passed. Before the hurricane, the average call volume was around 200 calls per day. Now, it’s more than 500 calls per day. Due to the increase, additional ambulances and staff were put into service to meet the demand.

The highest increase in calls is linked to stress-related illnesses, such as high blood pressure, chest pain and anxiety. There has also been an increase in hand and foot injuries, so people are encouraged to wear proper shoes and gloves as they clean up debris.

Polk County Fire Rescue has also responded to an increase in traffic accidents, especially at intersections where stoplights are out. If traffic signals are out, the intersection needs to be treated as a four-way stop.

Hospitals and Polk County Fire Rescue also continue to treat people suffering from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The first, and hopefully the last, Hurricane Irma-related death was a 7-year-old girl who died from CO poisoning. Generator safety tips can be found on the Polk County Government website and social media pages. The generator’s user manual also has additional important safety information.

With the call volume being so high, residents are encouraged to only call 9-1-1 when it’s a true emergency. The 863-401-2222 non-emergency number should be used for situations that do not need an immediate response.

PODs set up across Polk County with food and water

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PODs set up across Polk County with food and water
PODs set up across Polk County with food and water
 
Bartow, Fla. (September 14, 2017) — Points of Distribution (POD) have been set up in several Polk County locations to help residents who have been without food and/or water due to Hurricane Irma.
 
Residents in need of water and food are able to get two cases of water and one case of Meal, Ready-to-Eat, commonly known as MRE, per visit. The MRE is a water-activated self-contained complete meal.
 
PODS will be open from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. every day until power is restored and stores are again able to be open again. POD locations are:
City
Location
Address
Davenport
Market Square Park
Market St. & 17/92
Dundee
Community Center
603 Lake Marie Drive
Eagle Lake
Sheriff’s Office
150 S. Second Street
Fort Meade
Fort Meade Park
1205 NE Ninth Street
Frostproof
First Baptist Church
96 West B. Street
Haines City
Lake Eva Aquatic Center
220 Third Street South
Lakeland
Victory Church
1401 Griffin Road
Mulberry
Civic Center
901 NE Fifth Street
Poinciana
Community Center
395 S. Marigold
Polk City
Food Town
303 Broadway Blvd. SE
 
For more information, please call the Citizens Information Line at 863.401.2234.

Boil Water Notices Rescinded

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Boil Water Notices Rescinded
Boil Water Notices Rescinded
 
Bartow, Fla. (September 14, 2017) — Polk County Utilities has discontinued two PRECAUTIONARY boil water notices issued earlier this week. Bacteriological water samples collected are free of contamination. They were for the Babson Park Public Water System with approximately 700 customers on this system, and the County Class system, located in Country Estates Phases 1 and 2 subdivisions in the Country Class Public Water System, off of Walker Road in northern Lakeland.

7 Arrests for Curfew Violations on September 14

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7 Arrests for Curfew Violations on September 14

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 7 Polk County residents on curfew violation charges on Thursday, September 14, 2017. The curfew order, requested by the Emergency Management Director and Sheriff, imposed a 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew beginning on September 11, 2017.

“The curfew is in effect to deter crimes of opportunity, such as looting, and to provide safety for citizens in damaged areas. We want everyone to be safe now that the hurricane has passed. We will actively enforce the curfew. Be safe everyone!” Grady Judd, Sheriff

These individuals have been arrested and charged with violating the curfew during a state of emergency and transported to the Polk County Jail.

Those arrested are:

28-year-old Jennifer Keyes, 30-year-old Anthony Keyes, and 68-year-old Roy Williams all of Mulberry were in a vehicle together driving northbound on County Line Road in Lakeland around 12:55 a.m. 

  • 28-year-old Jennifer Keyes, was driving Anthony Keyes’ car. She has a criminal history which includes child abuse without bodily harm and driving while license is suspended.
  •  30-year-old Anthony Keyes, was the front seat passenger. He has a criminal history which includes child abuse without bodily harm and battery.
  •  68-year-old Roy Williams, was the rear passenger. He was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and drug paraphernalia. Roy Williams has an extensive criminal history and he has been sentenced to the Department of Corrections (state prison) 7 times. He has 45 previous felony charges and 11 previous misdemeanor charges which include the following: possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, failure to register as a felon, larceny, petit theft, resisting arrest without violence, sex assault, burglary, vehicle theft, robbery, violation of probation, shoplifting, selling cocaine and heroin, aggravated battery, possession of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school, violation of parole, dealing in stolen property, resisting merchant, escape from Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and no valid driver’s license.

15-year-old Symone Evans, of Winter Haven was walking east on Coleman Road in Jan Phyl Park (un-incorporated Winter Haven) around 12:53 a.m.  He was also charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He has an extensive criminal history to include the following: failure to appear, VOP, battery, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, larceny, dealing in stolen property, and simple assault.

28-year-old Jacob Harper, of Auburndale was walking along the side of the Circle K located at 4950 Hwy 92 E. in Auburndale around 2:11 a.m. He was also charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Harper had a broken glass pipe for smoking methamphetamine in the front right pocket of his shorts.

24-year-old Timothy McEvoy, of Auburndale was walking near 584 Hwy 559 in Auburndale around 2:30 a.m. Deputies received a call from witnesses saying there was a suspect walking through residential yards with a flashlight looking at generators.  When deputies found the suspect matching his description he fled on foot. He told deputies he heard them yell ‘stop,’ but continued to run away. He was also charged with resisting arrest without violence, and loitering/ prowling.

46-year-old Louis Muniz, of Lakeland was riding his bicycle, cutting through various parking lots of closed businesses.

Since the Polk County curfew has been in effect, Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 30 individuals for violating the curfew.

The curfew will be in effect until repealed by subsequent order of the County Manager or his designee. Please see the Polk County Emergency Declaration Order below for additional information.

Sheriff Judd Reminds Residents About Traveling Scam Artists & Unlicensed Contractors

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Sheriff Judd Reminds Residents About Traveling Scam Artists & Unlicensed Contractors

Sheriff Grady Judd reminds residents to be alert and report any suspicious door-to-door or phone solicitation for home repairs. Scammers will drive through neighborhoods offering deals too good to be true, or jobs that require large amounts of cash up front.

“These traveling scam artists are experts at separating trusting people from their money. They can be especially effective preying on people in the aftermath of a natural disaster. They know people need contractors and they are willing to exploit their victim’s needs. Although there are several variations of the scam, there is one common theme – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff  

Your first step should be to ensure the contractor is properly licensed (and insured) for the job. Check to see if a company is properly licensed and if there are any consumer complaints filed against a licensed contractor at  MyFloridaLicense.com, the Department of Professional Business Regulation’s website. You can also contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office at 1 (866) 9NO-SCAM to see if there are complaints against a company or contractor.

One of the best methods to hire a contractor is to ask your friends and family for a reference.

Here’s another problem: Debris will be removed curbside over the next 30 days or so for free by local and county government. There is no need to pay someone to haul away your debris. In fact, in the past we have seen people offer to haul away your debris for a fee, and then they turn around and dump it on another right-of-way to be picked up for free.

If you choose to take your debris to a public landfill, you will be charged. So, even though it will be messy over the next several weeks, we recommend moving your debris to the curb for free pick-up.

Here are several tips to remember when dealing with contractors.

  • First, keep in mind that there is a lot of work to be done and there are only so many licensed contractors to do the work. Be patient. Expect higher prices for materials for things like lumber and roofing materials because of the high demand in Florida and from Hurricane Harvey that hit Texas. The vast majority of our local contractors are hard-working honest people.
  • Watch out for unsolicited offers or contractors claiming they can perform repairs at a discount with leftover supplies from another job.
  • Request a written estimate on all home improvement offers and compare the prices. Con artists are notorious for charging a higher price for inferior materials and unnecessary repairs. Without a written estimate, victims get trapped into paying extremely high total costs when the job is “finished.”
  • Do not be rushed into a “special bargain” – often described as a “one-time” offer. An example is that a Traveler will claim he has excess asphalt, tar, etc. from another job and he will sell it “cheap.” Remember, if it sounds too good to be true – it probably is.
  • Do not do any business with any contractor with an out-of-state vehicle license.
  • Any legitimate Polk County business soliciting work will have a Business Tax Receipt from the Polk County Tax Collector, a soliciting permit from the Clerk of the Courts, and a Florida Contractor’s License. If they do not have all of these, do not do business with them.
  • Be careful responding to any roadside sign offering work this tactic is often used by Travelers. Out-of-state telephone numbers are also used in many of these scams.
  • Do not pay for anything until all services are completed to your satisfaction.
  • Do not give out credit card numbers over the phone.

Know that applications for federal FEMA relief programs are free and can be accessed at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA. Be wary of those who are trying to conduct business with you, and always ask questions! Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Report all suspicious offers or solicitations to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 863.298.6200.

 

7 Year Old Polk County Girl Dies From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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7 Year Old Polk County Girl Dies From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Update to the death investigation of 7-year-old Terryn Wilson of Dossey Road South in Lakeland:

This morning, an autopsy was conducted by Dr. Stephen Nelson, M.E., who concluded that the cause of death is carbon monoxide intoxication, and the manner of death is accidental.

The girl’s mother, Shashunda Wilson, is in a hospital in Miami, being treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. She is in critical, but stable, condition.

She told detectives that she recently obtained a generator due to having lost power during Hurricane Irma, and that this was the first time she had used one, and she was not aware that it could not be in the home.

The carbon monoxide level in her home was measured at 150 parts per million. The unoccupied other half of the duplex measured at 88 parts per million. The generator is a Power Stroke 5500 watt.

Original Release:

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation today, September 13, 2017, in the tragic death of a 7-year-old girl who apparently died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning from a generator being run inside the home, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

“This is the first death our agency has worked related to Hurricane Irma. It’s a tragedy when anyone dies, but when a child dies, it’s a horrific tragedy. Please, please follow safety instructions that we have stressed over and over so no other tragedies such as this one occur.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Very preliminary information about this investigation is as follows:

The PCSO Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a call around 11:45 a.m. this morning from the girl’s mother, 41-year-old Shashunda Wilson, who lives at 5124 Dossey Road South in Lakeland. She said she woke up this morning and was feeling dizzy, and her daughter, Terryn Wilson, who sleeps in the bed with her, appeared to be deceased.

PCFR responded and arrived on-scene, where they found Shashunda sitting outside. They immediately transported her to Lakeland Regional Medical Center for her symptoms of apparent carbon monoxide poisoning. She told them, and they relayed to the deputies who arrived on-scene, that the generator was running in the living room, while she and Terryn were asleep in the bedroom. A fan was blowing on them while they slept.

Due to the high levels of carbon monoxide in the home, PCFR opened all the windows and checked the levels before allowing deputies to respond inside. Once inside, deputies located the victim, deceased in the bed she shared with her mother. The residence is a duplex, and there were very high and dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the adjoining residence as well. No other victims were affected.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the victim’s exact cause of death.

As a reminder, the following was sent out by Polk County Fire Rescue:

• Generators and gas grills should be operated in well-ventilated locations, outdoors, away from all doors, windows and vent openings.

• Never use a generator or gas grill in an attached garage, even with the door open.

• Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building.

• Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height.

• Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is running.

• Store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled. Store the containers outside of living areas. Propane tanks should also be turned off when not in use and stored outdoors.

• Do not connect a generator to your home’s electrical system without a licensed electrician providing a means to connect. Improper wiring creates the danger of back feeding the power system, energizing downed lines and fatally electrocuting anyone that contacts those lines.

The Department of Health reminds you that you cannot see or smell CO, and portable generators can produce high levels of CO very quickly. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY.

 

If you have a poisoning emergency, call your nearest Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately.

Tragic CO Poisoning Incidents Emerge

Staff Reporter
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Tragic CO Poisoning Incidents Emerge
Tragic CO Poisoning Incidents Emerge
Bartow, Fla. (September 13, 2017) — Tragic incidents of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are starting to emerge. This highlights the importance of generator safety. Portable generators are useful during power outages, but improper use can be risky and in this recent case, tragic.
 
The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards. Cooking in enclosed areas with gas grills is also extremely dangerous.
 
Here is what you should know:
 
·       Generators and gas grills should be operated in well-ventilated locations, outdoors, away from all doors, windows and vent openings.
·       Never use a generator or gas grill in an attached garage, even with the door open.
·       Place generators so that exhaust fumes can’t enter the home through windows, doors or other openings in the building.
·       Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height.
·       Turn off generators and let them cool down before refueling. Never refuel a generator while it is running.
·       Store fuel for the generator in a container that is intended for the purpose and is correctly labeled. Store the containers outside of living areas. Propane tanks should also be turned off when not in use and stored outdoors.
·       Do not connect a generator to your home’s electrical system without a licensed electrician providing a means to connect. Improper wiring creates the danger of back feeding the power system, energizing downed lines and fatally electrocuting anyone that contacts those lines.
The Department of Health reminds you that you cannot see or smell CO, and portable generators can produce high levels of CO very quickly. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY.
 
If you have a poisoning emergency, call your nearest Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately.

To Burn Or Not To Burn

Staff Reporter
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To Burn Or Not To Burn
To Burn Or Not To Burn
 
Bartow, Fla. (September 13, 2017) — There is no burn ban in unincorporated Polk County, however it’s important to note cities may have different rules. For example, residents are NOT allowed to burn yard waste, tree trimmings, trash, etc. in the City of Lakeland.
 
In unincorporated Polk County, you may burn yard waste, which is any vegetative debris such as grass clippings, brush, leaves, tree limbs and palm fronds. The yard waste must fit in an eight-foot diameter pile or non-combustible container. The fire must be ignited after 9 a.m. and is to be extinguished one hour before sunset.
 
Piles greater than eight feet in diameter will require an authorization from the Florida Forest Service. It is illegal to burn household garbage (including paper products), treated lumber, plastics, rubber materials, tires, pesticides, paint, and aerosol containers.
 
Burning should take place at least 25 feet from your home, wildlands, brush or combustible structures; at least 50 feet away from paved public roads; and at least 150 feet away from other occupied buildings.
 
 
NOTE: This information may change. If it does, we will publish the latest information on our website and social media pages.

Prolific Juvenile Offender From Pinellas Arrested For Vehicle Theft in Polk County

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Prolific Juvenile Offender From Pinellas Arrested For Vehicle Theft in Polk County

On Tuesday, September 12, 2017, Polk County Sheriff’s deputies arrested 16-year-old Robert Campbell of St. Petersburg for vehicle theft (F-3), grand theft (F-3), and felony VOP (original charge: vehicle theft) after he stole a family member’s purse and car.

“Yet another example of a broken juvenile justice system. This offender lives in Pinellas, commits crimes over there, and continues to commit crimes while in Polk. He told our deputies after they arrested him that he ‘can’t help but to steal cars.’ Well, we can’t help but to arrest those who break the law, regardless of their age or excuses.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

According to the affidavit, Campbell was staying with a family member in Bartow after evacuating his home due to Hurricane Irma. When the family member woke up Tuesday morning, she found her purse, money, car keys, and car missing, with a note from the suspect saying he was sorry. She reported the thefts to PCSO.

At 8:40 a.m. that morning, deputies located the car, which was abandoned in the area of Alturas Babson Park Cutoff Rd and Valencia Lane. Residents told deputies they saw Campbell, whom they recognized, running away from the car. A PCSO K-9 unit responded, and began a track. They located Campbell, who surrendered without incident.

Campbell was on active felony probation for motor vehicle theft in Pinellas County. He has 12 previous probation violations for various charges, such as vehicle theft, grand theft, hit and run, battery on LEO, petit theft, burglary, and criminal mischief.

Per FSS 119, information about juveniles who commit felonies is public record.

Campbell was arrested and taken to the JAC.

 

Deputies Arrest Suspect for Looting Restaurant After Curfew

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Deputies Arrest Suspect for Looting Restaurant After Curfew

Deputies arrest suspect for looting restaurant after curfew

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrest 25-year-old Mark Elortegui of Lakeland, for burglary during a state of emergency, grand theft, VOP, and violation of curfew on Wednesday, September 13, 2017. Elortegui burglarized Dona Julia’s Mexican Restaurant located at 5375 S. Florida Avenue in Lakeland, on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, during the state of emergency, and after the midnight to 5:00 a.m. countywide curfew. He stole approximately $300.00 worth of alcohol.

According to the affidavit, deputies responded to an unrelated call of criminal mischief at Wilmington Apartments in Lakeland around 11:51 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Witnesses called PCSO after they saw a suspect yelling and acting erratically in a breezeway at the apartment complex. During that investigation, deputies recognized the suspect as a match that of the suspect seen in video surveillance of the Dona Julia’s burglary, including his clothing. Deputies also found property similar to that stolen from Dona Julia’s Mexican Restaurant in a breezeway at the apartment complex.

Elortegui admitted to entering the restaurant and removing food and alcohol.

“Thanks to our citizens who continue to call us about suspicious activity, we were able to quickly identify and apprehend Mark Elortegui before he victimizes any more of our citizens or commits more crime.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Elortegui has a previous criminal history to include: possession of Xanax, trespassing, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, VOP, and DUI.

Mark Elortegui was transported and booked into the Polk County Jail on the above charges.

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