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Woman Charged With Attempted First Degree Murder After Stabbing Her Boyfriend

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Lakeland, Florida – On 7/15/17, according to a Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit Brandy Windham allegedly stabbed her live in boyfriend Artis Dobie.

According to reports the couple was in a verbal argument in their shared residence, located on Harrison Place Blvd, in Lakeland. The couple have resided together at this location for approximately seven months. They have one child in common, who was not home during this incident. During the argument, Windham allegedly obtained a knife from the kitchen and began swinging it at Dobie. Windham allegedly stated while swinging the knife at Dobie,  “I’m going to get you” and “I don’t play, I’ll kill you!”. Windham then allegedly intentionally stabbed Dobie twice in the upper chest with the knife. According to reports Dobie stated when she did this, she pushed the knife straight into his chest. Upon being stabbed the second time, Dobie said the knife stuck in his chest and he was able to exit the garage of the residence before removing the knife.

Once outside, Dobie entered his vehicle, which was parked in the driveway. Windham allegedly retrieved the knife and willfully and intentionally slashed the front, driver’s side tire. Dobie attempted to drive away from the residence, but could not get further than the end of the block due to the flat tire. According to reports Windham fled the crime scene at this time.
Dobie was transported to the hospital by his mother. At the hospital, Dobie was treated for two penetrating stab wounds to the upper right chest. He is also being treated for a possible punctured lung. Dobie is expected to survive.

Brandy Windham was arrested for Attempted Homicide in the First Degree (F.S. 782.04) and Criminal Mischief Less Than $200 (F.S. 806.13 (lb1)) on July 17, 2017.

Former Ledger Marketing Director Charged With Scheming To Defraud

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Lakeland Police Department Press Release

LAKELAND, FL (July 18, 2017) – On April 17th, Detective D. Fetz was assigned to investigate a fraud case where the victim was listed as The Ledger. The suspect in this case is the former Marketing Director, Sukhvinder “Nanay” Pittman, 44 years old. The Publisher, Brian Burns, discovered that Gaylord Palms had been sending certificates for getaways to the Ledger for advertising promotions. Pittman was supposed to provide the vouchers to the Publisher who would then make the decision as to who received the free weekend getaways. While Burns has been the Publisher for the Ledger, Pittman did not have permission to use any vouchers given to the Ledger.

The investigation conducted by Detective Fetz revealed that Pittman redeemed 12 certificates for weekend getaways at Gaylord Palms without permission from The Ledger. It was determined that there was probable cause to charge Pittman with Scheme to Defraud, Felony 3. A warrant was issued for Pittman and she turned herself in to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office this evening.

Lakeland Chamber Adds Darla Sechrest Pettaway As Chief Development Officer

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Lakeland, Florida – The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce has added Darla Sechrest Pettaway as Chief Development Officer.

A Lakeland native Sechrest Pettaway served for the last two years as the National Director of Development for BEST Robotics Inc. Previous to to that position she was the Director of Development for the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University. Previous to her role at FIU, Sechrest Pettaway lived in Washington DC and served as the Regional Donor Relations and Sales Manager for the American Red Cross.

According to information on the the Lakeland Chamber website Sechrest Pettaway has a history as a seasoned business developer and a client relationship builder. She has extensive experience in establishing and cultivating long-term business-enhancing and social service programs that increase organizational revenue and impact the community foot print.

“Sechrest holds a M.S. in Business, Innovation and Strategic Management from Salve Regina University and a B.S. in Public Relations from Southeastern University. The Lakeland native is an active volunteer for the American Red Cross and Relay for Life. A former college athlete, she is also very involved in athletic mentoring programs for under-privileged youth. She has served as Board member for the Tampa Bay and DMV Relay for Life Committees and additionally served as a board member elect for George Washington University- Foundation Relations. Darla is a member of the National Public Relations Association, the National Association for Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives, and the Association of American Medical Colleges Development Committee.” according to an article on the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce website.

“In her role as Chief Development Officer, Sechrest Pettaway will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all of the Chamber’s fundraising efforts including major gifts, special events sponsorship’s, charitable giving and capital campaigns. She will work directly with major investors on monitoring the use of the benefits that are included in their investment as to ensure ROI, while also being responsible for overseeing fundraising, publicity and administrative responsibilities associated with the Lakeland Chamber Foundation.” according to the chamber article.

If your interested in reaching Darla, contact  (863) 688-8551 Ext. 228 or [email protected]

 

New Walmart E-Commerce Fulfillment Center Opens In Davenport

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Davenport, Florida – Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Tuesday that it has opened an e-commerce fulfillment center in Davenport, FL that will bring more than 1,500 jobs to the area. The campus is the sixth in Wal-Mart’s network and the first in Florida. The new 50-acre campus is part of a $450 million investment the company is making in Florida between 2017 and 2018.

Editors Note: Are you looking for a job? Here is link CLICK HERE 

The 50-acre campus, located near the intersection of I-4 and Highway 27 in Polk County, features two buildings spanning a total of more than 2.2 million sq. ft. The campus employs more than 550 recently hired associates and there are plans to hire at least 1,000 more associates over the next year. These associates would join the more than 107,000 in the state currently working at Walmart’s stores, clubs and distribution centers.

Identity Of Two Macy’s Theft Suspects Sought By Winter Haven Police

Winter Haven Police Department Release

These thieves must have a serious craving for nut butter!
The two females pictured below entered Macy’s (231 Citi Center St) on July 17 at 1:30 p.m. They went to the appliance area and each one selected a Vitamix blender (valued at $860 each) and immediately proceeded to the doors with no attempt to pay. They were seen leaving in a late model Chevy Malibu.
Anyone with information on their identities is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

Suspects Break Into Two Lake Wales Cell Phone Stores Early Tuesday Morning

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Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales Police Department is investigating to burglaries at cell phone stores in Lake Wales. Early morning police responded to alarms at both the Cricket Wireless on Sam Walton Way and the Boost Mobile on S.R. 60.

The first alarm went off around 3:52am and the second at 4am. Upon arrival at both locations officers found the front doors broken into. Nothing was stolen at the Boost Mobile store, but the suspects did rummage through the store. Two empty case register drawers were stolen from the Cricket Wireless store, but not other items were taken. A K9 officer arrived at both scenes and cleared the buildings, but no suspects were located.

A surveillance video captured two suspects at the Boost Mobile store. The suspects were wearing dark clothing with their faces covered.

This is a developing story and we will update as more information is obtained.

 

Vehicle Hit By Train After Driving Around Cross Arms In Eloise

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Polk County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies investigated a vehicle vs train crash that occurred at American Superior Blvd, just east of Snively Ave, in Eloise this morning, Tuesday, July 18, 2017, just after 6:00 a.m. 54-year-old Tony Davis of Winter Haven, who was the driver and the sole occupant of the vehicle, a white 2015 Chrysler 200, was transported to Winter Haven Hospital and is being treated for minor injuries.

Tony Davis told deputies he was traveling eastbound on American Superior Blvd and drove around the cross arms. The train, a CSX with two engines, was traveling approximately 55 mph and struck the rear passenger side of the car. The car traveled approximately 60 feet until it came to final rest. The train did not have any cars attached.
The train was cleared to leave approximately 30-45 minutes after the crash.

“This is the second time in three days that a car has driven around railroad crossing arms – Saturday’s victim was fatally wounded. This is not only dangerous, it is against the law. Those crossing arms are there to protect you – please, please adhere to all traffic signals, especially when crossing railroad tracks!” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Mayor Howard Wiggs & Commissioner Phillip Walker Honored with 2017 Home Rule Hero Award

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City of Lakeland Press Release

LAKELAND, FL (July 14, 2017) – The Florida League of Cities recently recognized Lakeland’s Mayor Howard Wiggs and Commissioner Phillip Walker with a 2017 Home Rule Hero Award. They earned this prestigious award for their tireless efforts to advance the League’s legislative agenda and help protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s cities during the 2017 regular legislative session.

“Our Home Rule Heroes are shining examples of local advocacy in action,” said Boca Raton Mayor and Florida League of Cities President Susan Haynie. “These dedicated municipal officials take time out of their busy schedules to cultivate relationships with their legislators and help them understand the issues that are most important to their constituents back home. Thank you for all you do to help protect Home Rule and preserve the quality of life in your city.”

Home Rule is the ability for a city to establish its own form of government and enact ordinances, codes, plans and resolutions without prior state approval. The Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials – both elected and nonelected – who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a local perspective to an issue.

Mayor Howard Wiggs said, “It’s an honor to be recognized for all of our hard work in trying to protect the City of Lakeland against unfunded mandates passed down from our state government. It is very important that municipalities work together to make sure community decisions are made at the local level.” Commissioner Phillip Walker added, “As a commissioner I make decisions for the betterment of our community and I’m humbled that our efforts to protect home rule have been recognized by the Florida League of Cities.”

Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida’s cities. Florida’s cities are formed by their citizens and governed by their citizens. The League is founded on the belief that local self-government is the keystone of American democracy. For more information, visit www.floridaleagueofcities.com.

Posted by Communications on 17 Jul 2017

Black Bear Takes Tour Of Avon Park

HCSO Press Release 

AVON PARK — A young black bear took a walking tour of the City of Charm Monday morning, July 17, venturing from the south end of town to the north before crossing U.S. 27 and disappearing into some orange groves west of U.S. 27.
The bear’s odyssey first came to official attention at 8:36 a.m., when it was reported at Joe Hilton Street and Memorial Drive. It ran off into some bushes and wasn’t visible when a deputy went to investigate.
An hour later, however, at 9:39 a.m., another call came in, this time about the bear being in a yard near Glenwood Avenue and Shaw Street. When deputies arrived, the bear was loping up Eddie Cannon Street towards Summit Avenue. It then turned north and crossed Main Street — nearly being hit by a car — before finally stopping for a rest behind the Chevron Station at U.S. 27 at Alton Street at around 10:15 a.m.
Deputies were concerned about the bear running into traffic on the highway and causing a crash. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers arrived as the bear was taking its break, but said due to its already-stressed state any effort to tranquilize the bear would likely kill it. The best option, they said, was to help it find its way into a safe habitat.
After a short rest in the shade of some oak trees, the bear ventured back toward the south, passing through the rear parking lot of the Olympic Restaurant and then into the front yard of Harbor Community Bank. FWC and deputies stopped traffic on the highway at a little after 11 a.m. and the bear was chased across U.S. 27 to the west, since that was toward the nearest safe area.
Eventually, the bear was guided toward a blueberry field at the west end of Pleasant Street, where it climbed the fence. It was seen a few minutes later (around 11:50 a.m.) crossing Taunton Road into an orange grove, where it likely found some shade and a place to hide until nightfall. The bear’s trek through town covered a little over two miles.

Performer: Out of My Hands Interactive Juggling & Illusion Show

Performer: Out of My Hands Interactive Juggling & Illusion Show

Thursday, July 20 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Blending choreographed juggling with magical illusions, Out of My Hands delivers a high-energy show that is both innovative and interactive.

Appropriate for ages 6-12.

REGISTER HERE

Details

Date:

Thursday, July 20

Time:

10:00 am – 11:00 am

Venue

Public Library

325 Avenue A NW
Winter Haven, FL 33881

Phone:

(863) 291-5880