These two guys burglarized a building under construction near Kathleen Middle School in Lakeland on July 17th.
Once inside, they helped themselves to a lot of tools.
Maybe they will be building homes for the needy. Nah…probably not.
On the bright side, they were kind enough to look directly at the security camera, so we have a pretty good look at them.
If you recognize these two, please contact Detective B. Knight at 863-577-1600 (Case #21-29905).
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:
Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
From your cell phone, dial **TIPS
Or visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,” * Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet. You will always remain anonymous when you send a tip through Crime Stoppers and you are eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.
This is from a Polk County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Post
A Winter Haven man is back behind bars after he fired a handgun five feet away from a child trying to separate two dogs that were fighting.
On July 29, 2021 at approximately 9 a.m., a young girl was walking a dog along Ave. L SE in Winter Haven. Another dog charged towards the dog on the leash and attacked the dog. The child started screaming and attempted to pull the leash to get the dog away to no avail.
A neighbor came out in an attempt to help when 28 year-old Taylor Tanner, who was five feet away from the girl, pulled a handgun from his pocket and fired the gun into the air. Tanner stated it was in an attempt to separate the dogs, which did not work.
Ultimately the dogs did separate and upon officers’ arrival, Tanner was taken into custody. It is unknown at this time the extent of either dogs’ injuries. Neither the child nor the neighbor were injured.
Tanner was also found to have a warrant for Violation of Probation for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Tanner was charged with two counts of Agg Assault with a Dealy Weapon W/O Intent to Kill (F.S.S. 784.021(1)(A) – F3 and one count of Discharge of a Firearm in a Residential Area (F.S.S. 790.15(4) – M1. He was booked into the Polk County Jail.
“We cannot express enough how dangerous it is to fire a weapon in the air especially in close proximity to other people,” said Chief David Brannan. “The old adage, ‘What goes up must come down’ is absolutely true and that bullet could easily have hit someone and caused serious injury or worse.”
Bartow, Fla. (July 30, 2021) — Polk County’s Rental and Utilities Assistance program application deadline has been extended to Aug. 13.
The Board of County Commissioners allocated $17 million for the program earlier this year and the county began taking applications June 1. The application deadline had been set for Aug. 3 but was extended to give those who need it more time to apply.
This funding can provide up to $12,000 in assistance directly to landlords, property management and utility companies on behalf of qualifying Polk County residents.
Applicants must be delinquent on rent or utilities at the time of their application. Funds are offered on a first-come, first-served basis until the allocation is gone.
Let’s save space and profile two of our skip-scanners from Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd). They were not working together and as far as we know, didn’t know the other one. They just both happened to do the same thing a day apart and earn their way to this page. On July 19th, the female on the right skip-scanned multiple items at the self-checkout registers. She is seen leaving in a tan SUV. And you probably know what’s next. The woman on the left went to the same Walmart on July 20th and, well, did the same thing. She was seen leaving in a Honda Accord. If anyone recognizes either of these two women, please contact Sgt. Hall at 863-291-5736.
UPDATE: The Marion County Sheriff’s Office located and arrested murder suspect Larry Smith on Wednesday morning, July 28th. He is currently in their jail, but will be brought back to Polk County in the near future. He is being charged with First Degree Murder for the death of his girlfriend Tashia Smith.
Original Release:
An Auburndale woman was found dead in her home on Monday morning, July 26, 2021, just after 9:00 AM, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is seeking her boyfriend of more than 20-years for her murder. An arrest warrant for 1st Degree Murder has been obtained for 57-year old Larry Smith, after homicide detectives determined that he was the person who fatally shot 40-year old Tashia Smith. “There was a history of domestic violence perpetrated by Tashia Smith’s boyfriend against her. Larry Smith is a dangerous man, and we need to lock him up.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff Tashia Smith was reported missing to the Lakeland Police Department on July 26th at about 4:20 AM by her sister. Tashia was last seen by her sister on Sunday, July 25th at around 9:36 AM at the Wing-Stop restaurant in Lakeland where Tashia worked. Tashia was supposed to return to work later that day at 5:00 PM, but she never showed up. PCSO Homicide detectives say that Tashia had been shot multiple times. Larry Smith’s prior criminal history consists of 21 felony charges and 18 misdemeanors. He has been to prison four times. Among his prior charges are: burglary, armed robbery, false imprisonment, aggravated assaults, numerous batteries, grand theft, retail thefts, resisting, destroying evidence, and drug possessions. If anyone has any information regarding Larry Smith’s whereabouts, you are asked to call Detective Coggins at 863-298-6200, or if you’d prefer to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward up to $5,000, you can call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).
Winter Haven Christian Church Hosting 7th Annual Feed the Ridge
by James Coulter
What if fighting food insecurity was as easy as going to the supermarket and buying groceries? You can do exactly that with the upcoming Feed the Ridge, to be hosted at Winter Haven Christian Church this Sunday at noon.
For the past six years, Winter Haven Christian Church has been hosting the Feed the Ridge initiative to help keep the food pantry stocked at The Mission of Winter Haven.
Previous events were hosted in the parking lot of Publix, allowing participants to buy their groceries at the store and donating them to their trailer, which is then transported to The Mission.
However, due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s event will be hosted differently. This year, participants will buy their donations beforehand and bring them to the church between noon and 2 p.m.
Their very first event six years ago received more than 500 pounds of food. Their highest donation load was 8,000 pounds, explained Heather Reuter, Founder and Coordinator of Feed the Ridge.
“Seven years ago, we founded Feed the Ridge, which is a ministry that helps different churches and other ministries to help fight food insecurity within east Polk County along the Ridge,” she said. “Every year, we have increased our load….Sowe are hoping to exceed that number as well and fully stock the mission pantries so we can help out the families in the area who need extra meals to help them.”
Donating to Feed the Ridge is as simple as one, two, three. First, browse the shopping list of desired items for The Mission and purchased them at your store of choice. Second, bring those donations to the drive-through from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the church. Third, pray for the ministry of The Mission of Winter Haven.
Anyone who is unable to arrive at the church at the allotted time period are encouraged to come to the church during the week between the time of 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. For any other special situations, people are encouraged to reach out to the church via their webpage.
“We just want to get that food together for the mission,” Reuter said. “That is the goal of Feed the Ridge, not to replicate and make another pantry, but to help get the product to the people who can put it in the hands of those in need, so that is what we are trying to do, and we are thankful with anyone who is willing to help us with that.”
Feed The Ridge will be hosted on Sun., Aug. 1, from noon to 2 p.m. at Winter Haven Christian Church, located at 301 6th St NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881. For more information, visit their website at: https://winterhavencc.com/
When our computer goes on the fritz, or when our phone refuses to work, we all have the urge to smash our malfunctioning electronics with the closest, largest item we can grab. Many people were able to do just that during the inaugural Alltek Smashathon last Thursday.
Computers, keyboards, phones, printers, and countless other old tech were smashed to smithereens during the inaugural Alltek Smashathon, hosted by Alltek Services at Yard on the Mass in Lakeland on Thursday.
Nearly 100 people arrived to grab a baseball bat and take out their frustration on old electronic equipment. At an extra cost, they could even use the mystery weapon, a sword, to carry out their carnage. The destruction took place in one of two tents, and the remains were piled high on the lawn before being recycled by Urban Recycling.
The event was open to participants 18 years and older. Younger attendees could still carry out their electronic carnage by kicking soccer balls into a pyramid of old computer processors. Food and drinks were provided by a food truck.
The overall turnout for the inaugural event more than exceeded initial expectations. More than 90 people signed up before the event, and many more arrived to attend, explained Taher Ahmid, Vice President of Business Development.
Proceeds from the event went towards the Boys and Girls Club of Polk County. The local non-profit organization utilizes the IT services of Alltek, so they were a prime candidate to receive the funds raised during the inaugural event. If anything, seeing people come out to support the organization was even better than seeing them smash things, Ahmid said.
“The turnout is even better than expected. It has blown away our expectations,” he said. “I think the smashing is great, but it is getting everyone together, knowing it is for a good cause, and seeing everyone else smash, seems to be the best thing. It is hilarious.”
Ahmid was inspired to start the Smashathon after he and his team created a video of them destroying an old printer. The video went viral, and many of their clients suggested that they would pay good money to destroy old equipment. Thus the Alltek Smashathon was born.
“We are sure going to do this next year,” he said. “We already had a lot of businesses who want to sponsor, which means more money for the Boys and Girls Club. So for that moment alone, we will do it.”
Proceeds will go towards the many after-school programs hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Polk County. Ashely Loute of Human Resources was delighted that Alltek wanted to host the event in their honor. They had utilized the company’s IT services for many years, and they appreciate being able to partake in a local business.
That evening, they raised nearly $2,000. Being approached by Alltek for such a unique fundraiser was an honor, and being able to participate that evening was nothing short of fun, she explained.
“Trying to raise money for the kids for our programs, especially with COVID, it has been a detriment to fundraising and things like that, so it is great to have a community partner that helps put our name out there in the community,” she said.
A fresh and groovy time was had during the 50s Sock Hop on Saturday evening, hosted as a fundraiser for Silly Sock Saturdays. Hosted at Venue 650 in Winter Haven, the fundraiser allowed attendees to bop and hop along to a good time on the dance floor, dressed in poodle skirts and jersey jackets, and dancing along to 50s and 60s style music.
Dinner was served by Sonny’s BBQ, with root beer floats and a candy table offered complimentary for guests. Other activities that evening included a photo booth, scavenger hunt, and lawn games.
Proceeds from the event went toward Silly Sock Saturdays, a local non-profit organization that makes monthly deliveries of small toys and other gifts to children at Lakeland Regional Hospital.
Typically, Silly Sock hosts a bowling tournament as a fundraiser. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, a different style of event was hosted. Nevertheless, the turnout proved just as phenomenal, if not more so, explained Zachary Kirkland, the creator of Silly Socks.
“We have been happy for the turnout,” Zack said. “We were worried we are seeing something different, but we have been super excited for the turnout [and] the feedback. Everything we have done at this event has been wonderful, and we are super thankful for everybody who came out and supported us.”
Zack started his non-profit as an eighth-grade class project four years ago. His teacher assigned him to think of a way to support his local community. As he had many friends in the hospital, he decided to collect donations of socks, small toys, and other gifts to donate to young patients. So, every month on Saturday, he and his volunteers deliver gift bags to patients staying at Lakeland Regional Hospital.
Jillian Haley, a nurse from Lakeland Regional Pediatric, attended the fundraiser that evening. She commended Zack for his commitment these past four years, especially for a young high schooler such as himself. She appreciates how his deliveries help make the children’s hospital stay there much more bearable, she said.
“When you work day to day with children in our hospital…you get to see how overwhelming it is, not only with the child, but the whole family,” Haley said. “What Zack does every single month with these gift bags is he allows us to make that first experience for the child something positive.”
Lisa Hofbauer from Sonny’s BBQ and her team catered that evening’s dinner. They often perform “random acts of barbecue” for many special events in the county. She knew about Silly Sock Saturdays for the past year and a half. In honor of his organization, she offered him a “certificate of awesomeness” that evening.
“Sonny’s BBQ does what we call a ‘random act of barbecue.’ People in the community will nominate someone for being amazing and above and beyond in their community and doing amazing things,” she explained. “We want to thank everyone for being here, and we want to award Zack…and just thank him for everything he does for raising awareness for his cause, and putting on an event like this together, which is amazing in and of itself.”
Savings Lives Matter Raises Awareness for Heart Health
by James Coulter
Not even sweltering 90-degree weather could stop people from visiting Tanner’s Lakeside last Sunday for a family fun day of games, music, and education about healthy hearts.
Hosted by the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation, Saving Lives Matter helped raise awareness about healthy hearts and lives through various vendors. For example, BayCare offered free blood pressure tests, the Winter Haven Fire Department showcased their fire truck, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Department offered a K9 unit demonstration.
That day’s festivities also included a bounce house and water slide, music and games hosted by a live DJ, and a food truck serving food and drinks. Overall, despite the hot, humid weather, the turnout proved exceptional, explained event coordinator Melanie Culpepper Brown.
“I loved all the kids coming together to dance and have fun,” she said. “I thank the community as always for supporting us, even on this extremely hot day.”
Junior DeVeaux served as the DJ that afternoon. He is also a retired Orlando Predator, and he currently serves as the athletic director of Orange County Prep. He has been performing at various children’s events throughout the county, and he has been working with Melanie for the past two years.
“I always want to give back to the community and the younger generation,” DeVeaux said. “It has been a great experience. It has been fun. I love all the kids and the people who came out here.”
Melissa Cogdill, a member of the band Spankin Sadie, which performed that evening, has been attending and supporting Melanie’s events for several years. She appreciates how Melanie goes above and beyond to help her community through such fundraising and awareness-raising events.
Cogdill herself has a husband who recently visited the hospital due to atrial fibrillation, even though he was in good health with excellent blood work. As such, she appreciates being able to attend an event to help raise heart health awareness.
“I am out here because I love Melanie, and it is a great event for the community,” she said. “She is always raising money for everyone, and I love how she has taken her own personal tragedy and turning that around into something beneficial for all of us. Everyone needs to come out and support her. If they ever see she is having an event, come and support her, because it is for the community. It is not for her; it is to support all of us.”
Melanie started the Culpepper’s Cardiac Foundation last year following the untimely death of her fiancée, Michael Culpepper. He suffered cardiac arrest, and despite the best efforts of the EMT who arrived to assist him, died from his complications.
Since then, Melanie has been raising funds and awareness for her non-profit organization. She raises proceeds to help finance defibrillators to be set up throughout Winter Haven. She recently set one up in her beauty salon, and another will be placed in Tanner’s Lakeside.
Melanie will be hosting a Brick Benefit, which will lay a brick with the name of her late fiancée on a foundation for the defibrillator set. She will also be hosting a pool tournament in Winter Haven this November. For more information, visit her website at: https://honoringculpepper.com/
