Home Blog Page 645

Fatal Residential Structure Fire Prompts Safety Message

Staff Reporter
-
0
Fatal Residential Structure Fire Prompts Safety Message

Fatal Residential Structure Fire Prompts Safety Message

From Polk County Fire Rescue

 

Bartow, Fla. (October 11, 2017) — Early this morning, Polk County Fire Rescue worked a residential structure fire in north Lakeland with a confirmed fatality. Seven people were inside the home, but six people were able to escape without injuries. While the Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducts a death investigation, and the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations investigates the cause of the fire, residents are reminded that it is Fire Prevention Week. This year’s theme is Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out.

In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. That’s why home escape planning is so critical in a fire situation. It ensures that everyone in the household knows how to use that small window of time wisely.

“Developing and practicing a home escape plan is like building muscle memory,” said Fire Chief Anthony Stravino. “That pre-planning is what everyone will draw upon to snap into action and escape as quickly as possible in the event of a fire.”

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out,” works to better educate the public about the critical importance of developing a home escape plan and practicing it. Polk County Fire Rescue is working in coordination with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the official sponsor of the Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, to reinforce those potentially life-saving messages.

“Home escape planning is one of the most basic but fundamental elements of home fire safety, and can truly make the difference between life and death in a fire situation,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy.

In support of Fire Prevention Week, Chief Stravino encourages all Polk County households to develop a plan together and practice it. A home escape plan includes working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and near all sleeping areas. It also includes two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window, with a clear path to an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole, or mailbox) that’s a safe distance from the home.

Polk County Fire Rescue and NFPA offer these additional tips and recommendations for developing and practicing a home escape plan:

  • Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
  • Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
  • Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
  • Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
  • Close doors behind you as you leave — this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
  • Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

 

Silly Socks Saturdays Helps Children In Local Hospital

Staff Reporter
-
0
Silly Socks Saturdays Helps Children In Local Hospital

Silly Socks Saturdays Helps Children In Local Hospital

by James Coulter

Whenever Zachary Kirkland, a 9th grader at Lake Wales High School, would visit family and friends at the hospital, one thing they would always request of him is socks.

He knew that many other patients, especially children, required such items during their hospital visit, so he resolved to help provide them with those items.

Silly Socks Saturdays is a non-profit 501 c3 that helps donates socks and various other comfort items for children staying at the hospital.

Every second Saturday of the month, he and his fellow volunteers visit the Lakeland Regional Hospital to visit the young patients staying there, providing them each with a bag of donated items.

What started as a school project to help his local community has since grown into a non-profit organization that seeks to expand its outreach to other hospitals.

Zachary experienced the usual challenges from the start with filling out paperwork and seeking out donations, but within less than a year, he and his team has become more organized and capable of supplying the hospital with items that their patients need most.

“We are growing and doing much better,” he said. “We have a decent amount of items and donations…[and] we keep growing and we hope to reach out and extend to different hospitals by the end of this year.”

His mother, Dianne Forcier, has been most impressed with his overall perseverance. What other children would easily tire of, her son has remained committed to and turned into a long-term goal.

“It was not something that he would do for a month or two and [he] was done with it,” he said. “He’s still looking at how to reach out to other hospitals with that he has started. He still wants to improve on what he started.”

Having visited the hospital on a regular basis, Silly Socks Saturdays has provided familiar faces to nurses and hospital staff, who have come to appreciate the services that the team provides.

“The nurses are just so excited to see us, to know that they have a new delivery company, that they will be able to come and take them in and show the kids,” Forcier said. “So this in itself knowing that he is making a difference, it means a lot.”

Perhaps the best praise they have received has been from former patients and their parents who more than appreciate the comfort provided by their donations.

One parent of a two-year-old patient wrote a gleaming review on their Facebook page about how their donation made her child’s visit all the more comfortable.

“My son’s face lit up when he saw all the goodies,” she wrote. “Thank you so much for all the wonderful work and time you put into your organization.”

Another Facebook review praised the organization for how their service helps aid children during their stay at the hospital.

“To help ease a scary situation is fantastic!” she wrote. “But when you are laying there and knowing someone cares is beyond warming a heart.”

Currently, their work has been limited to Lakeland Regional, but they hope to extend that outreach to other hospitals, with high hopes for Central Florida.

This month, Silly Socks will be participating with Lakeland Regional’s reverse trick-or-treat, where children receive treats in their room rather than going out to trick or treat.

Knowing the good that his organization provides, Zachary hopes to continue it and keep it going strong from here on out.

“Just getting to enjoying knowing how we impact the kids stay at the hospital,” he said. “I know that can be troubling for them. I know that I am helping and making them feel more comfortable.”

For more information on Silly Socks Saturdays, visit their Facebook page, or their website at http://sillysocksaturdays.com

Polk County Clerk Reminds Residents Not to Overpay for Public Records

Staff Reporter
-
0
Polk County Clerk Reminds Residents Not to Overpay for Public Records

Polk County Clerk Reminds Residents Not to Overpay for Public Records

 

 

Bartow, Fla. (October 9, 2017) – Polk County Clerk of Courts Stacy Butterfield is reminding residents to be continually cautious of private companies selling copies of deeds and other public records that can easily be obtained through the Clerk’s office for a fraction of the price.

 Some residents have recently received solicitations in the mail from companies that are once again advertising certified copies of the recipient’s  property deeds for fees up to $89.

 “Deeds and other official records can easily be obtained from my office for just a few dollars—possibly even free,” Clerk Butterfield said. “Solicitations like this are not illegal, but they are misleading. I want to make sure customers are not overpaying for a service we offer at a fraction of the cost they have been offered by these companies.”

 Uncertified copies of records may be downloaded and printed for free by using the Clerk’s online official records search at www.polkcountyclerk.net. If printed at the Clerk’s office, uncertified copies are $1 a page. The cost to certify a record is an additional $2 per document.

 In addition to property deeds, other public records available through the Clerk’s office include mortgages, liens, court judgments, marriage licenses and tax deeds.

 For more information on receiving copies of your records, contact 863-534-4000 or visit  www.polkcountyclerk.net.

$800 Raised By Benefit Concert For Frostproof American Legion

Staff Reporter
-
0
$800 Raised By Benefit Concert For Frostproof American Legion

$800 Raised By Benefit Concert For Frostproof American Legion

by James Coulter

After a small fire devastated American Legion Post 95 in Frostproof, the small town came together to support the local establishment that has always supported them.

On Saturday, countless volunteers dedicated their time that morning cleaning up the post, with many other citizens gathering later at the City Hall auditorium to help raise money through a benefit concert.

Overall, the concert raised $800. Its owner, Billie Sue Hutto, could not be more appreciative.

“We pretty much lost everything in that building, [and] people have been coming out of the woodwork asking what they could do to help,” she told attendees after the concert.

During Hurricane Irma, American Legion Post 95 lost power. When it regained power on Sept.16 at 6 p.m., a power surge with a refrigerator created a spark that started a fire, Hutto said.

The good news is that the fire received a fast response from the city and county fire rescue service, with three trucks and 12 firefighters responding.

The bad news is that the front and back portions of the building were burnt down, leaving most of it ruined.

Upon receiving final inspections, the building has been released for cleanup.

As the cleaning and restoration far exceed their funds, Billie Sue and her husband, Mike Hutto, have been reliant upon the charity of their local town for support.

“I appreciate all the love and support that people have been showing thus far,” Hutto said. “There were a lot of people who said that they wanted to support and do something, but that they did not have that much money themselves since the Hurricane, so they are able to donate their time and effort and we greatly appreciate it.”

Frostproof’s American Legion Post 95 opened on Memorial Day in 2015 in the building adjacent to P&J Recreation, owned by the Huttos, who are also local veterans themselves.

The town’s original American Legion Post, located near Reedy Lake, was deactivated several years ago following a fire that forced the original building to be demolished and rebuilt.

Wanting to provide a place for local veterans such as themselves, the Huttos decided to donate the space next to their restaurant to be used as a post.

Since then, the space has been used to host meetings, as well as local charitable events such as “Quarters For A Cause”, a charity auction that raises proceeds for local causes.

As the American Legion Post has provided support to the small town throughout the years, it only seemed fitting that the small town return the favor and provide their own support.

Rodger Brutus, a guitarist who has frequented Frostproof over the past decade, willingly accepted his invitation to perform, considering it an honor to support the small town who has more than supported its citizens.

“The people are friendly and they take care of each other,” he said. “It’s a typical small town where people look out for each other if somebody falls on hard times.”

While the turnout was small, with more than two dozen attendees, Earl Mandrell, lead guitarist for The Band 4, loved playing for the small crowd.

“They’re all good people, so anything to help out, I will,” he said.

For guitarist Adam Martin, the size of the crowd did not matter. As a U.S. combat veteran himself, being able to help fellow veterans and the American Legion was good enough for him.

“The people that are here is what’s important, and those who are coming out to support, they are there to give their appreciation and love,” he said. “The size of the crowd doesn’t matter. You do the best that you can, because the ones that are here deserve it.”

Operation Blue Roof Ends Friday

Staff Reporter
-
0
Operation Blue Roof Ends Friday

Operation Blue Roof Ends Friday

 

Bartow, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2017) — Operation Blue Roof by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ends Friday in Bartow.

 The program provides no-cost temporary repairs for roofs damaged by Hurricane Irma. Representatives from the Corps remain available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday at the Bartow Municipal Airport, 5253 Airport Blvd. in Bartow.

 Only primary residences with standard shingled roofs are eligible for the program. Metal roofs and mobile homes will be repaired as practical on a case-by-case basis. However, roofs with 50 percent or more structural damage are not eligible.

 To get assistance, you must sign a form to allow Corps staff and contractors to access your property. Those forms can be filled out at the Bartow Airport location.

 The program is free and there is never a charge for services. Also, please note the Corps staff does not call residents to sign up.

 For more information, call 888-ROOF-BLU (888-766-3258), or go to http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/BlueRoof/. Applicants who use 711 or video relay service can call 800-621-3362. Those who are deaf, hearing impaired or have a speech disability and use TTY can call 800-462-7585.

Winter Haven Police To Canvass Neighborhoods In Hopes Of Garnering New Leads In Cold Case from 2007

Staff Reporter
-
0
Winter Haven Police To Canvass Neighborhoods In Hopes Of Garnering New Leads In Cold Case from 2007

** REMINDER OF COLD CASE CANVASS TOMORROW OCT. 10 at 1:30 p.m. **

Winter Haven Police To Canvass Neighborhoods In Hopes Of Garnering New Leads In Cold Case from 2007

April 8, 2007 was Easter Sunday, a blessed day, but a day marked with tragedy for a young man with a promising future. Ten years have passed after the shooting death of 18 year-old Torey James Smith and Winter Haven Police are asking the public for help in finding his killer.

On Tuesday, October 10, members of the Winter Haven Police Department will canvass the Northeast/Northwest portion of the city where Torey was gunned down on Easter Sunday 2007. Department members will be putting out road signs, passing out fliers with information of the shooting and talking with the community in hopes that anyone in the neighborhood might remember something from that fateful day. “There is never an insignificant tip,” said Chief Charlie Bird. “Winter Haven is a close community and we are confident somebody in the neighborhood heard or saw something that could help us find Torey’s killer.”

An opportunity to speak with Torey’s family along with detectives working the case will be held at the Winter Haven Police Department on Tuesday, October 11, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. prior the organized canvass. The gathering will begin in the Police Department’s Community Room located at 125 N. Lake Silver Dr., NW in Winter Haven. Media who plan to attend should arrive no later than 1:15 p.m. for setup.

Background:
On Easter Sunday, (April 8) in 2007, Torey Smith and his cousin had attended church and went to a friend’s house after the service. The pair decided to leave around 2:45 a.m. to walk to the cousin’s home not far away. As the two were walking along Ave. T NE, an unknown assailant jumped from behind some bushes and accused the two of trying to kill him, but he said, “I will kill you first.” He fired a gun into the air and as Smith and his cousin ran west down Ave. T, two bullets hit Torey Smith in the back killing him instantly.  The assailant was never identified.

The U.S. Army All-American Marching Band selects Brandon Collins and Kenysha Johnson of Auburndale High School

Staff Reporter
-
0
The U.S. Army All-American Marching Band selects Brandon Collins and Kenysha Johnson of Auburndale High School

The U.S. Army All-American Marching Band selects

Brandon Collins and Kenysha Johnson of Auburndale High School


Brandon Collins and Kenysha Johnson earn elite status as member of

the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band

 ROCKAWAY, N.J. (October 6, 2017)– Brandon Collins and Kenysha Johnson (Auburndale, Florida/Auburndale High School) were officially selected today as a 2018 U.S. Army All-American during a celebratory selection event at their school, joining an elite group of marching band members who will perform during halftime at the 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl Presented by American Family Insurance.

 “Being a successful band member not only requires great skill, but also a commitment to teamwork,” said Mark S. Davis, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for marketing. “To be an Army All-American requires students to excel musically and academically, but most importantly, as young people of character. The U.S. Army is proud to honor all of our talented 2018 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band members and commend each of them on their selection to this elite group.”

 The U.S. Army All-American Marching Band recognizes the top 125 high school senior marching musicians and color guard members from across the country. The All-American Bowl consistently draws an annual crowd upwards of 40,000 to the Alamodome and is the most-watched high school sporting event of each year, with 5.1-million viewers tuning in to last year’s broadcast. The Bowl will be nationally televised, live on NBC at 12:00 Noon CST on Saturday, January 6, 2018.

 “As the official champion of Dreams, American Family is honored to salute these All-Americans as they work hard to pursue their dreams with the encouragement of family, coaches, friends, and the their communities,” said Telisa Yancy, chief marketing officer for American Family Insurance. “These All-Americans embody what American Family Insurance stands for – hard work, inspiration, dedication, and committed support from those around them make any dream achieved possible.”

 For 18 years, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has been the nation’s premier high school all-star event and football game, serving as the preeminent launching pad for America’s future college and NFL stars. Odell Beckham Jr., Andrew Luck, Eric Berry, Tim Tebow, and Sam Darnold are just some who made their national debuts as U.S. Army All-Americans. A total of 351 U.S. Army All-American alumni have been selected in NFL Drafts. Last year’s Bowl drew an all-time record crowd of 40,568 to the Alamodome.

 The U.S. Army All-American Bowl Presented by American Family Insurance is owned and produced by All American Games, a New Jersey-based sports marketing and event management company.

 For more information on the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and its related events visit usarmyallamericanbowl.com, goarmy.com/events/aab, and allamericangames.com.  Connect with U.S. Army All-American Marching Band activity at fb.com/USAAAMB, or at the official Twitter (@AllAmericanBand) and Instagram (@allamericanband) accounts.

Tuesday is the Deadline to Register to Vote in November 7th Municipal Elections

Staff Reporter
-
0
Tuesday is the Deadline to Register to Vote in November 7th Municipal Elections

Tuesday is the Deadline to Register to Vote in November 7th Municipal Elections

POLK COUNTY, FL (October 6, 2017) – Residents in the cities of Auburndale, Lakeland and Winter Haven who wish to register to vote in the November 7th Municipal Elections must do so on or before Tuesday, October 10th.

Voter registration forms are available for pick up at many convenient locations throughout the county including city halls, libraries, and chambers of commerce, or they may be completed online at PolkElections.com. Election Headquarters in Bartow and the Election Operations Center in Winter Haven will be open 8 am – 5 pm on Columbus Day, Monday, October 9th for any Polk County resident who would like to register to vote.

For more information please visit PolkElections.com or call the Elections Office at 863-534-5888.

Ridge Community Bolts Electrify School Spirit With New Good Luck Totem

Staff Reporter
-
0
Ridge Community Bolts Electrify School Spirit With New Good Luck Totem

Ridge Community Bolts Electrify School Spirit With New Good Luck Totem

by James Coulter

The Ridge Community Bolts and their fellow students have a new way to energize themselves—or rather, “electrify” themselves—before a big game now that a new school tradition has been started.

During two consecutive pep rallies on Friday, the school unveiled a good luck totem created from a piece of rock that had broken loose from the school’s tennis court after being struck by lightning years ago.

That rock has since been salvaged by the school’s administrators and mounted as a good luck totem for the school.

Principal Steven Ely first learned about this literal piece of school history while researching the school over the summer.

He learned that the school’s team received its name, The Ridge Community Bolts, due to the local area being a frequent target of lightning strikes.

Upon learning about the big chunk that was blown away by one of these lighting strikes, Ely decided to have the rock converted into a movable pedestal to be used during sports games as to “electrify” the school spirit of students and athletes during games.

The totem was supposed to be unveiled earlier this season, but was postponed due to renovations to the school’s athletic fields, especially with the cleanup following Hurricane Irma, Ely explained.

As the football team will be returning for its homecoming game, the pep rallies on Friday were considered the most opportune time to reveal the new totem.

“We have had some adversity trying to get the season started and our guys have been road warriors, so it will be good to get home and get a win over one of the best teams in the state, so we are going to try and get our kids excited about showing up,” Principal Ely said.

Manufacturer Delays Delivery of Recyclable Materials Roll Carts

Staff Reporter
-
0
Manufacturer Delays Delivery of Recyclable Materials Roll Carts

Manufacturer Delays Delivery of Recyclable Materials Roll Carts

 BARTOW, Fla. (Oct. 6, 2017) – The delivery of recyclable material roll carts, scheduled for distribution the week of Oct. 2, is delayed due to an emergency shutdown of operations at the cart manufacturing facility.

 Ana Wood, Waste & Recycling Director said “It was an external issue out of the county’s control.” The manufacturer of the carts had to move to a new production facility further away, delaying our shipments.

 Waste & Recycling officials expect carts to be delivered within the next two weeks. The delivery will only impact those who returned the “Yes” notice to the county in March.

 Roll cart delivery is on schedule to begin November 1 for residents who requested them and were initially informed carts would arrive after January 2018.

1...644645646...845Page 645 of 845