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Time to get crackin’; spiny lobster seasons start soon

Staff Reporter
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Time to get crackin’; spiny lobster seasons start soon

The 2017 spiny lobster season opens with the two-day recreational sport season July 26 and 27, followed by the regular commercial and recreational lobster season, which starts Aug. 6 and runs through March 31, 2018.

Planning on catching some of these tasty crustaceans? Here is what you need to know before you go.

Where to harvest

Know where you can go. Lobster harvest is always prohibited in Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, Biscayne Bay-Card Sound Spiny Lobster Sanctuary, certain areas of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and no-take areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. During the two-day season, all harvest of lobster is prohibited throughout John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations,” “Lobster” and “Regulations for Recreational Harvest and Lobster Information for Monroe County” to learn more about areas in Monroe County that are open to spiny lobster harvest.

Bag limits

Stick to the bag and possession limits so there will be enough lobsters for all your friends and family. During the two-day spiny lobster sport season, recreational harvesters can take up to six lobsters per person daily in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park waters or 12 lobsters per person daily in other Florida waters. You may possess no more than the daily bag limit of lobsters when you are on the water. When you are off the water, you may possess no more than the daily bag limit on the first day of the sport season and no more than double the daily bag limit on the second day. See the chart below for an easy-to-read guide on the two-day sport season bag limits. During the Aug. 6 to March 31 regular season, the daily recreational bag and on-the-water possession limit is six spiny lobsters per person for all Florida waters.

 

Two-day Sport Season
 

Where?

 Daily bag limit and max number you can possess while on the water either day Max number you can possess off the water on July 27 Max number you can possess off the water on July 28
Monroe County and Biscayne National Park 6 6 12
Elsewhere 12 12 24

Size limit

No one wants a small lobster for dinner, and recently approved legislation specifies that each undersize spiny lobster found in a violator’s possession may be charged as a separate offense. In addition, recreational or commercial violators with 100 or more undersized spiny lobsters are to be charged with a third-degree felony. Remember to always check the size of lobster you catch. If the carapace length is not larger than 3 inches, it may not be harvested (see image on how to measure spiny lobster). For divers, measuring devices are required and lobsters must be measured while they are in the water.

Egg-bearers

To protect the next generation and your future chances to have lobster for dinner, harvest of egg-bearing females is prohibited. Egg-bearing lobsters have hundreds of thousands of eggs that are easily visible and attached under the tail. While most lobsters have completed reproduction by the start of the fishing season, finding lobsters with eggs is common in July and August.

Nighttime harvest and bully netting

While the waters may be less crowded at night, diving for spiny lobsters after the sun goes down is not allowed in Monroe County during the two-day sport season.

Bully netting, however, is allowed at night, and is a popular method of harvest. Keep in mind, bright lights and loud noise on the water late at night can be disruptive. Keep lights directed down and avoid shining lights at houses along the shoreline. Keep sound levels low when near shoreline residences. Bully netters have a right to fish, but should be courteous of others by minimizing disruptions and not trespassing on private property.

Whole condition

Bring a cooler big enough to hold the entire lobster. Spiny lobsters must remain in whole condition until they are brought to shore. Also, do not take spiny lobster with any device that might puncture, penetrate or crush its shell.

Licenses and permits

Make sure to have the proper paperwork. A recreational saltwater fishing license and a spiny lobster permit are required to recreationally harvest spiny lobsters unless you are exempt from recreational license requirements. Information about these licenses and permits is available online at MyFWC.com/License or you may purchase your license today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Invasive lionfish

Do double duty while you are in the water and remove invasive lionfish. These nonnative species are often found in the same areas as spiny lobster, and they negatively impact Florida’s native wildlife and habitat. Help keep the lionfish population under control by removing them from Florida waters. If you plan to take lionfish with a spear, be aware of no-spearing zones before planning your spearfishing trips. Learn more about spearing rules by visiting MyFWC.com/Fishing and clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Spearing” or “Monroe County Spearfishing.” Visit MyFWC.com/Lionfish to learn more or to participate in the Lionfish Challengereward program.

Diving safely

Always remember: Safety first. Divers, even those who wade in, should stay within 300 feet of a properly displayed divers-down warning device (red with a white diagonal stripe on a flag or buoy, for example) when in open water and within 100 feet of a properly displayed divers-down warning device if on a river, inlet or navigation channel. Boat operators must slow to idle speed if they need to travel within 300 feet of a divers-down warning device in open water or 100 feet of one on a river, inlet or navigational channel.

Divers-down warning symbols displayed on vessels must be at least 20 inches by 24 inches. If you are using a flag, a stiffener is required to keep it unfurled, it must be displayed from the highest point of the vessel, must be visible from all directions and must be displayed only when divers are in the water. So when the divers are out of the water, don’t forget to take it down. Divers-down symbols towed by divers must be at least 12 inches by 12 inches. More information on divers-down warning devices is available online at MyFWC.com/Boating by clicking on “Boating Regulations.”

More

Additional information on recreational spiny lobster fishing, including how to measure spiny lobster, is available online at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Lobster.”

Friday Fest Goes To The Dogs!!! July 21 from 6-9 PM at Main Street Bartow

Staff Reporter
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Friday Fest Goes To The Dogs!!! July 21 from 6-9 PM at Main Street Bartow

Typically, the Dog Days of Summer are hot, but at Main Street Bartow’s Friday Fest, they’re way cool!

Join us on July 21, from 6-9 p.m., for a tail-waggin’ good time in Downtown Bartow. The fun isn’t just for humans this month. Pets who are well-behaved and current on vaccinations can join in, too.

Pets may strut their stuff in the Pet Fashion Contest,

competing for Funniest Outfit, Most Unique, or Cutest. Registration is from 6-6:30 p.m. at the beverage tent. The contest begins at 6:30. Dogs must be leashed at all times and each must have its own walker. Gather at the stage five minutes before the start of the fashion parade.

Do you have the most talented pet ever? We’ve got a contest for that,too. Register for the Pet Talent Contest at the beverage tent between 6 and 6:30 for a chance to win a gift basket full of goodies. Starting at 8 p.m., all pets are welcome to show off their skills, from rolling over to singing and dancing. Judges will select a winner in three trick categories: Most Creative, Silliest, and Best Overall.

DJ Denny Robarts will present the sounds of summer music, plus we’ll have exhibitors, pet adoptions, K-9 demonstrations, and the Cruise-in Car Show presented by Kelley Buick GMC. For more information about the car show, call 863-581-0309.

Also returning this month is a chance to save lives by donating blood on the OneBlood mobile unit. Each donor receives a free OneBlood Tervis ®tumbler and a wellness check. You can drop in or make an appointment online at www.oneblooddonor.org and use sponsor code #19598. Blood can only come from generous blood donors. OneBlood says if every donor gave just one more time each year, there would be no more blood shortages

Friday Fest also features vendors offering food, drink and all kinds of goodies, kids’ activities and dancin’ in the street. Don’t forget to visit local restaurants and shops that are open that night.

A big thank you goes to Kelley Buick GMC, our July Friday Fest sponsor. This street party is held on the third Friday of every month and is hosted by Main Street Bartow, Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency, the City of Bartow,and Kelley Buick GMC.

John Decesare Found Guilty for Shooting Into Occupied Vehicle

Staff Reporter
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John Decesare Found Guilty for Shooting Into Occupied Vehicle

On July 12, 2017, after 25 minutes of deliberation, a jury found John Decesare, 74, guilty of attempted second-degree murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle and discharging a firearm from a vehicle. Decesare faces a minimum of 20 years for attempted second-degree murder and will be sentenced August 25.

Original Release:

The victim is identified as Robert Daniel W/M, 04/24/1980.

The suspect is identified as John Anthony Decesare, W/M, 05/29/1943

At 6:14 this morning PCSO deputies responded to the area of Masterpiece Road & Mammoth Grove Road in reference to a shooting of a vehicle. Upon their arrival they located the victim who had no injuries.

During the investigation it was determined that the suspect fired three bullets into the victim’s truck.  Two struck the driver’s door and the third struck the driver’s side front tire.

During an interview with the victim, he stated that he was driving north on Masterpiece Road when a black corvette pulled along him as if it were passing him.  The victim stated he felt the impact of the rounds striking the door and the driver’s window shattered. The victim stated the black corvette continued north as he pulled to the side of the road and called law enforcement.  When asked if anyone would want to hurt him, the victim stated that a white male on a motorcycle has been following him recently.  The victim stated the black motorcycle has been riding beside him and looking into his truck window.  The victim also stated the motorcycle would pull in front of him and hit his brakes several times before driving off.

Upon hearing the details of the case a Deputy involved in the investigation advised that he has seen a white male named John that lives in Indian Lake Estates that drives a black corvette and a black motorcycle. The Deputy responded to Indian Lake Estates to conduct a neighborhood canvass. As the Deputy entered Indian Lake Estates he observed the black motorcycle and recognized the driver as “john”. The Deputy conducted a traffic stop on the motorcycle at Buck Moore Road and Highway 60. The driver, identified as John Decesare, was found in possession of a .45 handgun.

Detectives conducted an interview with the suspect and gained a confession about the shooting.

Davenport Man Arrested in Connection with 2 Separate Armed Robbery Cases From Two Davenport McDonalds Locations

Staff Reporter
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Davenport Man Arrested in Connection with 2 Separate Armed Robbery Cases From Two Davenport McDonalds Locations

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrest suspect in two separate armed robbery cases at two Davenport McDonalds locations.

UPDATE:

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Robbery detectives arrest suspect in two separate armed robbery cases at two Davenport McDonald’s locations

PCSO robbery detectives arrested 22-year-old Timothy Stephon “Man” Williams of 3782 Huntwicke Blvd in Davenport on Wednesday, July 20, 2017, for two counts armed robbery, two counts armed burglary with assault, VOP, and DWLSR. These robberies occurred in Davenport on May 21, 2017, at 8006 Osceola Polk Line Road, and on July 11, 2017, at 5825 US Hwy 27 N.

According to the affidavit, on May 21, 2017, deputies responded to the McDonald’s located at 8006 Osceola Polk Line Road Davenport, Florida in reference to an armed robbery. During the investigation and viewing video surveillance, detectives saw an unknown black male suspect enter the McDonald’s around 3:57 a.m. wearing dark clothing and pointing a black handgun at two employees. He directed them to the room where the manager was counting money. The suspect demanded the employees to put the money in a bag that the suspect had.

Victims told detectives the suspect resembled a new McDonald’s employee named Timothy Williams, who works the night shift and knows the closing and register counting procedures. Detectives contacted Williams and he told them he worked at McDonald’s until just before 2 a.m. that night, and went to the Kissimmee area for the morning, and was not in the area of McDonald’s during the time of the robbery.

On July 11, 2017, deputies responded to McDonald’s located at 5825 US Highway 27 N Davenport Florida in reference to an armed robbery that occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m. During the robbery, a black male with a black handgun entered the business wearing a dark colored jacket with the word “MEXICO” written in large letters on the back in neon green/yellow.

The jacket also had matching neon yellow/green trim along the bottom and shoulders. The suspect was wearing black sweatpant type pants, red/orange shoes, black gloves, a boonie/fisherman style hat with red white and blue designs with a white cloth with unknown designs under it covering the top portion of his face and a dark cloth covering the bottom portion of his face, carrying a dark backpack possibly with a camouflage design and carrying a black handgun.

The suspect approached one employee in the kitchen area and physically directed him to the back room where the manager was counting money. The suspect directed a third employee in the back room where the suspect then obtained cash and large brown envelopes from the vault and placed it in a dark colored backpack.  You can see the McDonald’s surveillance video of the July 11th robbery on the PCSO Facebook Page.

In reviewing Timothy Williams’ Facebook account. Timothy was observed wearing red shoes that appear to match the shoes observed in the video surveillance of the robbery that occurred on 7/11/2017.

Williams was also observed in photographs wearing a similar jacket to one that was worn in the robbery that occurred on 7/11/2017 with the word “MEXICO” written in large letters on the front, which indicates that he owns similar clothing as the suspect. Williams also has photographs of himself wearing multiple boonie/fisherman style hats like the one that was worn by the suspect in the robbery on 7/11/2017. Williams has a scar or mark near his right eye, which matches the suspect description given by at least two victims.

Through the investigation detectives were able to determine he was at the McDonald’s during the time of the robbery on May 21, about which he initially lied.

William’s also owns similar hats as the one worn by the suspect of the robbery that occurred on 7/11/2017. Williams had multiple pictures of himself in Florida Gator attire, which is consistent with the description given of the duffel bag, used in the robbery that occurred on 5/21/2017. Williams also had a picture that contained a black and blue duffle bag with an orange stripe down the middle that has a logo on it, possibly a Gators logo as described in the robbery on 5/21/2017.

Contact was made with Williams’ employer at the McDonald’s located at 8006 Osceola Polk line Road in Davenport, and it was confirmed Williams was not working on the date of the robbery that occurred on 7/11/2017.

Based on the totality of the circumstances of the two robberies and confirmation that Timothy Williams was in the area of both robberies when they occurred, along with Williams matching the description of the suspect and his knowledge of McDonald’s procedures, and witness statements, detectives had probable cause to arrest and charge Williams with both robberies. On July 19, 2017, PCSO detectives observed Williams, who has a suspended license, driving to his home in Davenport. They conducted a traffic stop and took Williams into custody without incident, for DWLSR and VOP (original charge – petit theft). He was booked into the Polk County Jail and additionally charged with the robberies and assaults.

Timothy Williams has a previous criminal history to include: failure to appear, felony petit theft, DWLSR, VOP, petit theft, out of county warrant, and fraudulent use of a credit card.

Williams was booked into the Polk County Jail on the aforementioned charges and is being held on no bond.

 

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrest suspect in two separate armed robbery cases at two Davenport McDonalds locations.

PCSO deputies arrested 22-year-old Timothy Stephon Williams of 3782 Huntwicke Blvd in Davenport on Wednesday, July 20, 2017, for two counts armed robbery, two counts armed burglary with assault, VOP, and DWLSR. These robberies occurred in Davenport on May 21st, at the 8006 Osceola Polk Line Road in Davenport and on July 11th at the 5825 US Hwy 27 N.

Check back for updates about this arrest.

Girls Night Out Event Coming To Downtown Lakeland July 22

Staff Reporter
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Girls Night Out Event Coming To Downtown Lakeland July 22

Lakeland, Florida – On July 22, 2017 downtown businesses in Lakeland will have a “Girls Night Out” event. It’s being presented as a fun night of live music, tastings, food samples, giveaways, gifts with purchase, and enter a drawing to win a gift basket filled with fun items from a variety of shops and businesses located in the heart of Downtown Lakeland. Shops and restaurants are open late.

Here are Details:

Location:
Downtown Lakeland
Date/Time Information:
Saturday, July 22, 2017, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Contact Information:
Questions can be emailed to [email protected] 
Fees/Admission:
Free

POLK MUGSHOT OF THE DAY – JULY 19, 2017

Staff Reporter
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POLK MUGSHOT OF THE DAY – JULY 19, 2017

DEREK TANNER

Jul 19, 2017By  0 Comments Posted in: PolkMugShot.com

Race: W Sex: M DOB: 5/31/1992 Height: 510 Weight: 230 

Charge Number 1

Statute: 790.23(1)(A)… Poss of Firearm Convicted Felon
Charge on Arrest Docket: Poss of Firearm Convicted Felon
Bond Type: CS
Bond Number: Purge Number:
Purge/Bond Amount: Surety: 5000.00
Cash: Bond Exp.: Disposition:
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number 2

Statute: 843.02 Resist Officer w/o Viol.
Charge on Arrest Docket: ROWOV
Bond Type: CS
Bond Number: Purge Number:
Purge/Bond Amount: Surety: 500.00
Cash: Bond Exp.: Disposition:
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number 3

Statute: 790.23(1)(A)… Poss of Firearm Convicted Felon
Charge on Arrest Docket: Poss of Firearm Convicted Felon
Bond Type: CS
Bond Number: Purge Number:
Purge/Bond Amount: Surety: 5000.00
Cash: Bond Exp.: Disposition:
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number 4

Statute: 790.23(1)(A)….. Poss of Ammunition by Convicted Felon
Charge on Arrest Docket: POSS OF AMMUNI BY CONVICT FELON
Bond Type: CS
Bond Number: Purge Number:
Purge/Bond Amount: Surety: 5000.00
Cash: Bond Exp.: Disposition:
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number 5

Statute: 893.147 (1) Poss./Use Narcotic Paraphernalia
Charge on Arrest Docket: Poss./Use Narcotic Paraphernalia
Bond Type: CS
Bond Number: Purge Number:
Purge/Bond Amount: Surety: 500.00
Cash: Bond Exp.: Disposition:
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number 6

Statute: 893.135 (1)(B)1***** ARMED TRAFFICKING IN COCAINE >= 200 GR
Charge on Arrest Docket: ARMED TRAFFI IN COCAINE 200GR MORE
Bond Type:
Bond Number: Purge Number:
Purge/Bond Amount: Surety:
Cash: Bond Exp.: Disposition:
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number 7

Statute: 893.13(6A)*****. POSS CANNABIS OVER 20 GRAMS
Charge on Arrest Docket: POSS CANNABIS OVER 20 GRAMS
Bond Type: CS
Bond Number: Purge Number:
Purge/Bond Amount: Surety: 1000.00
Cash: Bond Exp.: Disposition:
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number 8

Statute: 893.13(6A).,,………. Possession of MDMA (ESCTASY)
Charge on Arrest Docket: Possession of MDMA (ESCTASY)
Bond Type: CS
Bond Number: Purge Number:
Purge/Bond Amount: Surety: 1000.00
Cash: Bond Exp.: Disposition:
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number 9

Statute: 784.03(1)(A)1.* Dom Viol-Battery Touch or Strike
Charge on Arrest Docket: DV-BATTERY TOUCH OR STRIKE
Bond Type:
Bond Number: Purge Number:
Purge/Bond Amount: Surety:
Cash: Bond Exp.: Disposition:
Upgrade/Reduction:

The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of PolkMugShot.com or any employee thereof.

Spotted seatrout workshops scheduled late July/early August; FWC needs your input

Staff Reporter
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Spotted seatrout workshops scheduled late July/early August; FWC needs your input

Spotted seatrout workshops scheduled late July/early August; FWC needs your input

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) needs your input on spotted seatrout management.

The FWC is hosting spotted seatrout public workshops throughout the state in late July and early August. Learn more about the current status of spotted seatrout and share your input on management of this fishery by attending one of these workshops.

Workshops will be from 6 to 8 p.m. local time:
July 25: Carrabelle, American Legion, 2316 Oak St.
July 26: Panama City, Gulf Coast State College, Student Union Building, Conference Room 232A, 5230 West US Highway 98.
July 27: Pensacola, Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 South I St.
July 31: Cedar Key, Senator George G. Kirkpatrick Marine Laboratory, 11350 SW 153rd Court.
Aug. 1: Crystal River, City Hall Council Chamber, 123 NW Highway 19.
Aug. 2: St. Petersburg, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 100 Eighth Ave. SE.
Aug. 3: Naples, South Regional Library, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway.
Aug. 7: Jacksonville, Jacksonville Public Library Southeast Regional, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd.
Aug. 8: Melbourne area, Brevard County Government Center, Space Coast Room, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera.
Aug. 9: Fort Pierce, St. Lucie Commission Chambers, Third Floor Meeting Room 303, 2300 Virginia Ave.
If you cannot attend an in-person meeting, submit comments online by visiting MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments. Additional details and updates for these meetings will be posted at MyFWC.com/Fishing (click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Rulemaking” and “Workshops.”)

Shazam Abdul Named LWMC Employee of the Month

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Shazam Abdul Named LWMC Employee of the Month

ABDUL NAMED EMPLOYEE OF MONTH

 Lake Wales, FL – Shazam Abdul, Occupational Therapy Assistant, was named Employee of the Month for June at Lake Wales Medical Center. Abdul, who has worked at the hospital since 2014, was recognized for his patience and finesse in working with behavioral health patients.

“Shazam does not give up on difficult patients,” a co-worker wrote. “He takes the time to listen to them and understand them. He is always cheerful, smiling and always making conversation. He is able to connect well with our behavioral health patients. He doesn’t give up and walk away if the patient refuses therapy; he takes the time to make them feel comfortable with him and his services.”

LAST Program of the Summer at Lake Wales Public Library

Staff Reporter
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LAST Program of the Summer at Lake Wales Public Library

Join us for our LAST program of the summer!! A hands-on, interactive family event with the City of Lake Wales police, fire, utilities, water and streets departments. Plus the PCLC Bookmobile!

The fun starts at 10:30am at the Lake Wales Public Library.

This program is in partnership with the Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center and their upcoming exhibit, The Way We Worked. The Way We Worked is a Smithsonian Museum on Main Street exhibit and supporting programs documenting the way Americans, Floridians and Lake Waleans worked to build their communities.

City of Winter Haven Splash Pad Closed for Repairs and Rowdy Gaines Olympic Pool is also Closed Today

Staff Reporter
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City of Winter Haven Splash Pad Closed for Repairs and Rowdy Gaines Olympic Pool is also Closed Today

The City of Winter Haven splash pad at Trailhead Park is closed until further notice due to required repairs.  On July 18, 2017 chemicals were not properly cycling with the water and the splash pad needed to close for safety reasons. The manufacturer was notified and equipment and technicians are in route to fix the problem. The public will be notified of the splash pad’s re-opening once it is cleared, which is expected to be next week.

The “Rowdy” Gaines Olympic Pool is also closed today, July 18 following an incident this morning. All recreation and lap swim; adult lessons; and infant toddler lessons are cancelled today only. Makeup for the diving board portion of swim lessons will be held tonight. The pool will re-open tomorrow July 20, 2017.

For additional information please call the Parks & Recreation office at 863-291-5656 or visit the City’s Parks & Recreation Facebook page for continual updates at:https://www.facebook.com/winterhavenparks/

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