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UPDATE On Fatal Motorcycle Accident on Cypress Gardens Blvd Last Night

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UPDATE On Fatal Motorcycle Accident on Cypress Gardens Blvd Last Night
On 08/29/2017, at approximately 8:20 PM, Winter Haven Police Officer Nicholas Bonnie was eastbound on Cypress Gardens Blvd., when he drove up on a vehicle versus motorcycle crash that had just occurred near Reflections Blvd. He notified the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) via radio, at which time Winter Haven Fire, Polk County Medics, and Central District Patrol all responded to the scene. Upon arrival of Fire/EMS it was determined that the motorcycle operator, Vincent J. Pascucci, was deceased. The Vehicle occupants were not injured as a result of the crash.
 
PCSO Traffic Homicide Unit responded to investigate.
 
Cypress Gardens Blvd (SR 540) in the area of the crash is a 4 lane highway with a grass median and shoulders. The roadway is straight and level with a speed limit in the area at the crash site of 55 mph. There is no street lighting and minimal illumination is provided from a nearby subdivision.
 
Evidence and witness statements indicate that a 2014 White Ford Focus (Vehicle 1) was be being driven by Robert S. Winder Jr. was travelling eastbound on Cypress Gardens Blvd., in the inside (left) lane at about 55 mph. Another uninvolved vehicle was traveling eastbound adjacent to Mr. Winder in the outside lane.  A 2016 Blue and White Suzuki Sport type motorcycle (vehicle 1) was being operated by Vincent J. Pascucci and was also travelling eastbound in the inside lane, but at a high rate of speed. Witness statements, skid marks, and the distance Vehicle 1 travelled post-crash all indicate Pascucci was driving well over the posted speed limit.  As Pascucci approached Vehicle 2 at a high rate of speed, he locked up the brakes on the motorcycle and slid 147 feet, striking the rear of Vehicle 2.  After impact, Pascucci lost control of the motorcycle laying it down on its side. Pascucci was ejected from the motorcycle and traveled approximately 150 east, coming to final rest in the center of the outside lane of travel. The motorcycle continued in a southeasterly direction approximately 200 feet, coming to final rest on the south shoulder of the roadway. Driver 2 stated they were struck from behind, but did not know by what. Vehicle 2 came to a controlled stop, turned around, and drove back west in the median in an attempt to find what had struck them. Upon finding Pascucci, the driver stopped in the median, at which time the Winter Haven Unit arrived.
 
Driver 2 showed no signs of impairment. Both he and his passenger were seat belted at the time of the crash. Due to the type collision, no airbags deployed. Pascucci was not wearing a helmet or other safety equipment. He also did not have a motorcycle endorsement permitting him to operate a motorcycle on state roadways.
Excessive speed on the part of Pascucci appears to be a factor in the crash.
 
Eastbound Cypress Gardens Blvd. was closed for approximately 4 hours during the investigation.

Suspect Wanted In Stabbing Murder

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Suspect Wanted In Stabbing Murder

Update: Suspect In Custody – A Florida Highway Patrol Officer found the suspect on Hwy 429 near mile marker 3. He was bleeding profusely and has been rushed to the hospital.

Polk County Press Release

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Detectives investigating homicide near Davenport
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a call at approximately 12:30 a.m. this morning to the area of 1620 Davenport Blvd in unincorporated Davenport.  Information was received on scene that Pedro Vega Jr H/M DOB: 5-15-71 had broken into the home of his estranged wife 46-year-old Amanda Stokes.  Also inside the residence with Amanda was Jordan Stokes and Caine Espinoza. Espinoza fired several shots at Vega Jr and believes he hit him. Vega Jr fled.

As deputies arrived they learned Vega Jr had family next door at 1614 Davenport Blvd.  Deputies followed a blood trail and found an open window and unsecured front door.

While clearing the residence, deputies found 70-year-old Pedro Vega Sr.  His hands and feet were bound with tape. He had tape around his facial area as well.  He had sustained multiple stabs wounds.  He is the father of the suspect (Vega Jr).  Vega Sr was transported to an area hospital where he is currently in stable condition. He is expected to survive his injuries.  Prior to leaving for the hospital he said the attacker was his son, Vega Jr.  He also advised the suspect stole his 1999 white Dodge pick up truck bearing FLORIDA tag # Y03-ZNE. 

Deputies located 59-year-old Rosa Iris Vega inside the residence deceased, likely the result of stab wounds. Vega Jr. is the suspect in her death. Rosa Iris Vega is Vega Jr.’s aunt. 

There is a current arrest warrant for Pedro Vega, Jr. for Violation for probation, Burglary w/ Battery & Aggravated Battery DV (on Stokes).

Three Juveniles Arrested in South Lakeland After Fleeing From a Stolen Car

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Three Juveniles Arrested in South Lakeland After Fleeing From a Stolen Car
Three juveniles arrested in South Lakeland after fleeing from a stolen car
 
PCSO Press Release:
“This is more evidence of a broken juvenile justice system. Instead of being in school, these kids were out stealing with no apparent fear of consequences.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff
Late Monday afternoon, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested three out of four juveniles who fled from deputies after a traffic stop. Arrested were:
16-year-old Marquel Rashard Gabriel, of Blossom Circle East, Lakeland. Marquel was charged with: Trespass Property other than a Structure/Conveyance-2 counts, Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, Criminal Mischief-2 counts, Possession of Burglary tools, Burglary unoccupied conveyance unarmed, Conspiracy to commit Grand Theft Auto, Conspiracy to commit Burglary Conveyance, Resisting a law enforcement officer without violence, Trespass on School Grounds, and Petit Theft.
17-year-old Anthony Campbell of Norton Road, Lakeland. Anthony was charged with: Criminal Mischief (2 counts), Trespass Structure/Conveyance, Burglary unoccupied conveyance unarmed, Conspiracy to commit Grand Theft Auto, Conspiracy to commit Burglary Conveyance, Unarmed Burglary-Occupied Burglary; Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, Possession of Burglary tools, Trespass on School Grounds, Resisting a law enforcement officer without violence, and Petit Theft.
17-year-old Victor Maurice Daniels Jr. of Wayman Street, Lakeland. Victor was charged with: Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, Possession of Burglary tools, Criminal Mischief-2 counts, Resist a law enforcement officer without violence, Trespass on School Grounds, Conspiracy to commit Grand Theft Auto, Conspiracy to commit Burglary Conveyance, Petit Theft, Burglary unoccupied conveyance unarmed, and Violation of Probation
At approximately 1:30 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding four black males who were seen wearing socks on their hands and checking door handles of cars in the area of Tierra Vista Circle. A Florida tagged vehicle (a blue 2014 Nissan) in which all the males were observed riding in was reported-the vehicle came back as stolen out of Lakeland (Lakeland Police Department case). (LPD Case #17-17401). Deputies began circulating the area and observed the vehicle enter into the parking lot for George Jenkins High School. A traffic stop was attempted and the vehicle fled a short distance in the parking lot. At the eastern end of the parking lot all four males jumped out and fled.
Victor Daniels was taken into custody shortly after entering the gym area for George Jenkins High school. Victor Daniels is on active probation for Fraud and Providing False information to Law Enforcement.
The three other juveniles fled in an eastern direction through the school grounds an entered into the fenced in area of a water tower located on Gus Stewart Road. Deputies in fool pursuit gave numerous loud verbal commands of, “Sheriff’s Office” and “stop running”. All three suspects ignored the commands and continued to run. A perimeter was established-two of the remaining three juveniles were ultimately located.
The second suspect located, Marquel Gabriel was found hiding under a boat in the back yard of the residence located at 2533 Peterson Road.
The third suspect located, Anthony Campbell was found hiding in a trashcan at the residence located at 2527 Peterson Road. The trashcan was located underneath the roofed in portion of the residence. The residence was also determined to be occupied.
The fourth suspect could not be located and all three in custody told deputies the fourth subject was a friend of theirs named “Shann.” Deputies are asking the public if they have any information regarding the identity of and location of “Shann” to please call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200 or Heartland Crime Stoppers (1-800-226-TIPS).
All three juveniles told deputies they knew the car they were riding was stolen. Detectives determined the juveniles were riding in the car and were actively going through sub divisions checking vehicle door handles. While checking door handles a vehicle located on Hickory Ridge Drive, Lakeland was entered after the window was broken with a window punch. Approximately 100 music CD’s were removed the vehicle.
A cell phone was located on one of the juveniles-several pictures and a video were observed showing the juveniles riding in the stolen vehicle and posing with the stolen vehicle. Marquel Gabriel is pictured on the left of the photo and the suspect “Shann” is on the right. The PCSO investigation is ongoing in an attempt to identify any additional potential victims.
 All three juveniles were transported to Juvenile Assessment Center without incident.
George Jenkins High School was placed on heightened security during the incident and the grounds of the school were searched for the fourth subject with negative results.
 
Marquel Rashard Gabriel has been in trouble with law enforcement before: He was arrested for throwing a deadly missile into a dwelling/vehicle/etc. and criminal mischief with property damage (7-16-15); and larceny/petit theft and resisting recovery of stolen property (6-7-17).
 
Anthony Campbell was arrested on 05/24/2017 (PCSO) for possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a restricted area.
Victor Daniels has an extensive criminal history dating back to the age of 12. : 02/17/2017 – LPD, Battery; 11/07/2016 – PCSO, Probation Violation (2 counts); 06/29/2016 – LPD, False ID to LEO, Probation Violation; 02/29/2016 – PCSO, Probation Violation; 11/12/2013 – LPD, Probation Violation; 09/19/2013 – LPD, Failure to Appear; 07/31/2013 – LPD; Probation Violation, 07/03/2013 – LPD, Explosives Using Throwing; 06/12/2013 – LPD, Failure to Appear; 09/25/2012 – PCSO, Failure to Appear; and 07/23/2012 – PCSO, Burglary, Grand Theft, Burglary, Criminal Mischief.
Two juveniles with stolen car. Marquel Gabriel on the left & suspect “Shann” on the right

Emergency Management urges caution in making donations to Hurricane Harvey victims

Staff Reporter
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Emergency Management urges caution in making donations to Hurricane Harvey victims
Emergency Management urges caution in making donations to Hurricane Harvey victims
 
Bartow, Fla. (August 29, 2017) — Websites are springing up and the robo-calls have begun, asking residents for charitable donations to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.
 
While most organizations are legitimate, there are some that are not. Be aware that scammers do take advantage of unfortunate situations.
  
“Donations to the American Red Cross and Salvation Army are always safe,” said Pete McNally, Emergency Management director for Polk County. “Residents of Polk can also go to the National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) website at nvoad.org that will also list legitimate charities.”
 
Hurricane Harvey has devastated the coastal Texas area with 130 mile per hour winds and heavy rainfall. In addition to the winds, experts have warned there could be as much as 40 inches of rain, which is still falling, that will add more flooding.
 
Polk County’s Emergency Management division has staff standing by to deploy if needed, but there have not been any requests from the State of Texas for our regional team yet.

School Crossing Guards to Be Removed PUBLIC NOTICE

Staff Reporter
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School Crossing Guards to Be Removed PUBLIC NOTICE

The school crossings located at State Road 60 and SE MLK Avenue in Mulberry, and at Main and Third Street in Dundee, are no longer being utilized by Purcell Elementary School students, and Dundee Elementary School students, respectively, walking to or from the schools, therefore eliminating the need for crossing guards at these locations.

The school crossing guard in Mulberry will be removed on Friday, September 15, 2017; the school crossing guard in Dundee will be removed on Friday, September 8, 2017.

These decisions were made by the School Crossing Guard Committee, following surveys of the locations and confirmations that no children are crossing at them for both of the aforementioned schools (Purcell Elementary and Dundee Elementary).

This committee is comprised of representatives from the School Board, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Board of County Commissioners Traffic Engineering Division, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and a number of the municipalities within Polk County.

As a matter of procedure, Sheriff’s School Crossing Guard supervisors communicate with the principal of the affected school to inform him/er of the action taken. In addition, the principal is reminded to notify members of the Committee if the situation changes, at which time another survey will be conducted.

While this review process occurs throughout the year, deputies patrol school zones daily as a reminder to motorists that caution is critical. Please remember that fines are doubled in school zones and that all law enforcement members take the safety of children very seriously. As a responsible motorist, so should you.

High Intensive Traffic Enforcement Highway 27

Staff Reporter
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High Intensive Traffic Enforcement Highway 27

High Intensive Traffic Enforcement High

 The Haines City Police Department will be conducting high intensive traffic enforcement on Highway 27 starting tomorrow through September 7th.  The saturated patrols will focus on speeding, distracted or impaired drivers and careless driving.  The enforcement efforts will focus on Highway 27 from Highway 17-92 (south) to County Road 547 (north).

The Haines City Police Department is committed to keeping our community and streets safe and will be focusing our efforts in this area to reduce vehicle crashes and injuries due to excessive speed and distracted driving.  Please slow down and arrive alive.

Caren Neile, Lake Wales’ Story – Made to Order – Tonight at 6PM

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Caren Neile, Lake Wales’ Story – Made to Order – Tonight at 6PM
Address: Lake Wales Public Library – 290 Cypress Garden Lane, Lake Wales 33853
When: Monday, August 28th @ 6pm
Admission: FREE!
Kid Friendly!
 
You’re invited to join the Lake Wales Library Association, the Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center, and the Florida Humanities Council for another great program in coordination with the “The Way We Worked,” an exhibition created by the National Archives.
Dr. Caren Neile is a master storyteller. In this Lake Wales’ story made to order, Dr. Neile explores the historic industries of Lake Wales from surprising and fun perspectives! This is a great event for kids and adults who love the art of story-telling and learning about our rich history.
 
For more information, contact the Museum at: 863.676.1759 or on or website: cityoflakewales.com/439/Depot-Museum
Follow us on:
Twitter: @LWDepot_Museum
Facebook: Lake Wales Depot Museum and Cultural Center
Instagram: LWDepot_Museum”

Cooking On The Ridge: Butter Schnitzel

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Cooking On The Ridge: Butter Schnitzel

Cooking on the Ridge: Butter Schnitzel

Ingredients

Directions

  • Prep 25 m

  • Cook 30 m

  • Ready In 55 m

  1. Pound the pork chops with a spiked meat mallet until 1/4 inch thick; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper. Press the pork into the crumbs to bread thoroughly; set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the wine and sliced mushrooms. Allow to simmer and cook until the mushrooms have softened, about 10 minutes. Stir together the cornstarch and water, then add to the mushroom sauce. Simmer until the sauce has thickened, then remove from the heat and set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the pork cutlets a few at a time until golden brown and cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Serve with reserved mushroom sauce.

4 Adults Arrested After Search Warrant Revealed Drug Trafficking

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4 Adults Arrested After Search Warrant Revealed Drug Trafficking

Lake Alfred Press Release:

On August 25, 2017 at approximately 6:30 p.m., members of the Winter Haven Police Department assisted the Lake Alfred Police in serving a search warrant on a residence that was suspected of heroin sales where two young boys live.

Based on information Winter Haven officers received in June 2017, a joint investigation began on a home located at 190 Alfred St W in Lake Alfred. Lake Alfred Police began an intense investigation and enough evidence was uncovered to obtain a search warrant. The search warrant was signed by a Polk County judge and the search warrant was executed on August 25, 2017.

Upon arrival, officers located 49 year-old Juan Raymond Burkette (DOB 9-20-67, 190 Alfred St.) on the porch of the residence. He was immediately detained while the residence was searched. Burkette stated to officers that he uses heroin that is supplied by his brother, Julio. He also stated that he resides in the residence and sleeps on the couch.

Inside of the residence, 48 year-old Julio Burkette and 33 year-old Marisol Burkette (husband and wife, 190 Alfred St.) were found inside of the bathroom where 23 baggies of heroin were located.

Also, 49 additional baggies were located in the bedroom that Julio and Marisol share. There was also a digital scale and plastic baggies located inside of the bedroom.

Two young boys in the Burkette’s care, ages 10 and 11, were inside of the residence where the narcotics were accessible. The Department of Children and Families responded to the residence and officials took control to ensure their well-being.

Forty-one year-old Marcy Mieles (DOB 9-19-75) rents the residence and pays all of the bills at the location. The narcotics were located in plain view inside of the home, therefore Mieles was charged with Keeping a Residence For Sale of Drugs.

A total of 72 bags of heroine with a weight of 7.2 grams along with needles, scales, bags and methadone pills were located inside of the residence.

“The hard work and dedication into stopping the activity at this drug house has paid off with these four arrests,” said Lake Alfred Chief of Police Art Bodenheimer. “The joint effort between us and Winter Haven shows our commitment in the fight against illegal drugs in our cities and in Polk County.”

The four were booked into the Polk County Jail on the following charges:

Julio Burkette (DOB 7-4-69)  Trafficking in Heroin > 4 GR F.S.S. 893.135(J)(C)1, F1 and Negligent Child Abuse W/O Bodily Harm F.S.S. 827.03(2)(D)  F3

Marisol Burkette (DOB 8-8-84) Trafficking in Heroin > 4 GR F.S.S. 893.135(J)(C)1, F1 and Negligent Child Abuse W/O Bodily Harm F.S.S. 827.03(2)(D)  F3

Juan Raymond Burkette (DOB 9-20-67) Possession of Heroin F.S.S. 893.13(6A)  F3 and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia F.S.S. 893-147(1)  M1

Marcy Valerie Mieles (DOB 9-19-75) Keeping Residence For Drugs Etc. F.S.S. 893.13(7)(A)5  M1
All four were booked into the Polk County Jail.

PCSO Investigating Death of Inmate Who Died at Bartow Regional Medical Center in Bartow

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PCSO Investigating Death of Inmate Who Died at Bartow Regional Medical Center in Bartow

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating the death of a Polk County Jail Inmate that occurred during the early morning of August 26, 2017 at Bartow Regional Medical Center.

The inmate who died is 55-year-old Michael Neupert of Lakeland. He was in jail for failure to register as a sex offender. He was arrested on that charge on May 23, 2017. Neupert has a last known address of 4800 New Tampa Hwy. in Lakeland. He has been in the Polk County Jail on seven prior occasions, from 2001 to 2017. His criminal history includes 78 previous charges in Polk. He has been in the Florida Department of Corrections prison from December 2002 – February 2005, and February 2009 – January 2013 for his Polk County arrests. His previous charges include 31 counts of possession of child pornography, violation of probation, failure to register as a sex offender, and DWLSR.

Neupert has had a history of multiple medical issues, including diabetes, hypertension, COPD, and a recent cerebral vascular Ischemia (insufficient blood flow).

At approximately 2:35 a.m., August 26, 2017, Neupert was observed unresponsive in his bunk in the CCJ infirmary. He was last checked on by a Registered Nurse at 2:25 a.m., ten minutes prior to him being found unresponsive. He had been awake and interacting with the nurse at the time and had been alert and responsive throughout the previous evening.

Jail medical staff and deputies immediately dialed 9-1-1 and began CPR after finding Neupert unresponsive. When EMS arrived, they took over CPR and transported Neupert to Bartow Regional Medical Center. He could not be revived by the hospital staff and was declared deceased at the hospital at 3:24 a.m.

Earlier, on August 12, 2017, Neupert had been transported from the jail and admitted to the Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center (LRHMC) due to his declining health. He was treated and released from LRHMC on August 24, 2017, and transported back to CCJ, where he was housed in the infirmary.

An autopsy is tentatively scheduled for Monday, August 28th, to determine the cause and manner of death.

This is an ongoing death investigation. It is standard PCSO policy for four separate mandated, independent investigations to be conducted when an inmate dies. The PCSO Administrative Investigations Section is conducting an internal review. The PCSO Bureau of Criminal Investigations is conducting the death investigation. The Polk County Medical Examiner will conduct the autopsy to determine the manner and cause of death. All of the investigative findings and documents will be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for their review.

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