73.9 F
Winter Haven
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Home Blog Page 656

Motorcyclist Killed In Hwy 27 Crash Friday Night

​Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

The PCSO Traffic Unit investigated a vehicle versus motorcycle crash in Haines City last evening, resulting in the death of the motorcyclist.
Preliminary information so far is as follows:

Around 7:50 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2017, a 2014 red Suzuki sport motorcycle being driven by 27-year-old Miguel Ocasio of Avon Park was heading southbound on US 27 approaching the Lake Region mobile home park (Sunshine Drive).

At the same time, a 2006 gold Honda Odyssey minivan that was traveling northbound on US 27, was turning west onto Sunshine Drive to enter the mobile home park.

The motorcycle, which appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed, in excess of the posted 55 MPH, crashed into the side of the minivan as it crossed over the southbound lanes. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet, but during impact, it broke. He was declared deceased on-scene.

The impact of the motorcycle on the minivan was so severe, all four occupants of the van were injured:

Driver, 87-year-old Ned Kinzie of Haines City, treated and released from LRHMC;

Front seat passenger, 85-year-old Ralph Knott of Haines City, in critical condition at LRHMC;

Right rear seat passenger, 83-year-old Carolyn Knott of Haines City, in critical condition at LRHMC;

Left rear seat passenger, 76-year-old Alice Reed, treated and released from LRHMC.

Excessive speed on the part of the motorcyclist appears to be a factor. The investigation is ongoing. The roadways in that area were shut down for approximately 5 hours last night.

2017 PAL and Pouncey Twins Back to School Bash on Sunday

0

Event

The 2017 PAL (Police Athletic League) and Pouncey Twins Back to School Bash on Sunday, July 9th, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm is a free community event that provides children with book bags, school supplies, haircuts, hygiene products, books and tons more! In order to make this fulfilled weekend of community engagement a success, we depend on the generous donations of community partners like you. As you can imagine the execution of these free community events requires a number of volunteers, materials/supplies, food, water and coordination. We are asking for your assistance with providing an unforgettable weekend for over 1,000 youth though a monetary or in-kind donation by June 20th. Our efforts to build character in our youth can’t take effect unless we have the support of everyone in our community.

2017 PAL and Pouncey Twins Back to School Bash
Date: July 9, 2017
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT

Location:
Police Athletic League (PAL) Office
325 West 2nd Street
Lakeland, Florida 33805
Date/Time Information:
Sunday July 9, 2017, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

AmeriCorps Polk Reads seeks reading tutors for its 2017-2018 K-3 tutoring program

AmeriCorps Polk Reads seeks reading tutors for its 2017-2018 K-3 tutoring program
 
Bartow, FL. Wednesday July 07, 2017 – AmeriCorps Polk Reads is currently seeking individuals interested in being a part of their K-3 tutoring program.  Full-time and Part-time opportunities throughout Polk County, living allowance provided.  After training you will be placed with other tutors at elementary schools tutoring students who are reading below grade level.  This established grant funded program has partnered with the Polk County School District for over 14 years.  Individuals also earn a Segal Education Award to help pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans ($5,815 Full-time, $2,907 Half-time) (Those 55 and older can gift this award to a child or grandchild).
Experience not required, those 18 and older with a High School Diploma/GED should contact Steve Chapman, Program Director at [email protected] or 863-519-8638.
                                                                     
AmeriCorps Polk Reads is a grant funded program under the Polk Education Foundation.  The Polk Education Foundation is a direct support 501 (C) (3) organization for the Polk County School Board, and raises funds to support school programs for which tax generated dollars may not be used.  For more information about the Foundation, please visit our website at www.polkeducationfoundation.org .

Polk Mugshot of the Day – July 7, 2017

ALEXANDER CONTRERAS

Race: H Sex: M DOB: 11/6/1981 Height: 506 Weight: 230 

Charge Number 1

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: 1000.00
Cash: Bond Exp.: Disposition:
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number 2

Statute: 893.13(6)(B) CANNABIS POSSESS Not More Than 20 grams
Charge on Arrest Docket: CANNABIS POSSESS Not More Than 20 gr
Bond Type: CS
Bond Number: Purge Number:
Purge/Bond Amount: Surety: 1000.00
Cash: Bond Exp.: Disposition:
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number 3

Statute: 918.13 Destroy/Tamper with/Fabricate Physl.Eviden
Charge on Arrest Docket: Destroy/Tamper with/Fabricate Physl.
Bond Type: CS
Bond Number: Purge Number:
Purge/Bond Amount: Surety: 2000.00
Cash: Bond Exp.: Disposition:
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number 4

Statute: 893.135 (1)(C)1*** TRAFFICKING IN HEROIN >= 4 GR
Charge on Arrest Docket: TRAFFICKING IN HEROIN REMAND
Bond Type:
Bond Number: Purge Number:
Purge/Bond Amount: Surety:
Cash: Bond Exp.: Disposition:
Upgrade/Reduction:

Charge Number 5

Statute: 893.147(1) Poss./Use Narcotic Paraphernalia
Charge on Arrest Docket: POSS./USE NARCOTIC PARA REMAND
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.

13 High School Graduates Received Scholarships from Polk County Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation in Honor of the Late Auburndale Police Chief Nolan McLeod

13 high school graduates received scholarships from the Polk County Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation in honor of the late Auburndale Police Chief, Nolan McLeod. McLeod, who died of stomach cancer in 2012, told family and friends his dying wish was to help the children of law enforcement officials in Polk County.

The ceremony was held at the Bartow Civic Center during the monthly Polk County Police Chiefs Association’s meeting. The scholarships are funded solely through private donations and fund raisers held through the year. One of the major events is an annual clay shoot that takes place at Catfish Creek in Haines City. This year, the clay shoot event was so successful the scholarships awarded increased from $16,000 to $23,500.

“Nolan was a believer in education, and he wanted to see more opportunities for children of law enforcement officers,” said Nancy McLeod, McLeod’s wife who also attended the ceremony along with sons Joel and Chad.

Lake Wales Police Chief Chris Velasquez, president of the Polk County Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation, said it was an honor for the foundation to award the scholarships.

“One of Chief McLeod’s last requests was to create a scholarship fund for students,” he said. “We are pleased to once again have the opportunity to award these scholarships and invest in the children of our fellow officers.”

Eligible students submitted an application, which includes an essay, the name of the school they plan to attend and their intended career field. A selection committee then reviews and ranks the students based on their applications.
The winners of the 2017 Polk Police Chiefs Charitable Foundation Scholarship are:
Tyler Baggett – Southeastern University
Jacob Black – Florida College
Jessica Perez – Polk State College
Ethan Sanchez – Florida Gulf Coast University
Taylor Hammersla – Southeastern University
Travion Hodge – Alabama State University
Ranger Hughes – Polk State College
Courtney Lang – Seminole State College
Jonathan Lehman – Samford University
Saylah Preston – Flagler College
Madison Roberts – Warner University
Brianna Storie – University of Florida
Kaitlyn Wines – Polk State College

Picture of recipients attached:
(Front L-R): Courtney Lang, Saylah Preston, Jessica Perez, Brianna Storie, Ranger Hughes, Kaitlyn Wines, Chad McLeod
(Back L-R): Lake Wales Police Chief Chris Velazquez, Nancy McLeod, Joel McLeod, Madison Roberts, Ethan Sanchez, Tyler Baggett, Travion Hodge, Taylor Hammersla, Lakeland Police Chief Larry Giddens (President of the Polk County Police Chiefs Association)
(Not Pictured: Jacob Black and Jonathan Lehman)

Lake Wales Care Center Builds Character and Faith Through Mentorship of Youth at Summer Work Camps

With the long weekend of Independence celebrations behind us, many local youth are returning to their summer schedule of beaches, sun and fun. But for some, there is work to be done and a calling to answer. These are the youth volunteers and leaders of the Lake Wales Care Center’s Stay at Home Work Camps.

The Lake Wales Care Center has been a pillar of the community for over three decades and has dedicated its resources throughout those years to helping the surrounding Lake Wales community and its residents that are in need. Their summer Stay at Home Work Camp shows their commitment to that ideal.

Local junior high and high school students, along with youth leaders and volunteers from the LWCC and a visiting group of volunteers from out of state, gathered together at last week’s SAHWC, the second of four camps; to do roofing, fencing, painting and other tasks for those in the community that needed the work done, but otherwise couldn’t do it or afford it themselves.

They even teamed up to help the H.E.A.R.T. Village at Warner University.

Several volunteers began the day installing posts and wire fencing for the water buffalo residing at the H.E.A.R.T. Village next to Warner University. Their Hunger, Education and Resource Training program is an interdenominational training course that is designed to prepare graduates to live and serve effectively when helping others in developing communities in different countries around the world.

Another group of about ten volunteers braved the mid-morning heat to do some roofing in Babson Park for a veteran and retired construction worker named James Justice whose roof needed to be re-shingled. Joining with the volunteers on the roof, Rob Quam, LWCC Executive Director, worked side-by-side with the group as they removed the old tiles and tar paper on the roof and replaced them with new tar paper and tiles, giving Mr. Justice a much needed new roof.

Two other groups of volunteers split up and set out to brighten up the day for a pair of homeowners with their painting skills as they teamed up to put a fresh look on two homes in the Lake Wales area.

Around noon, with the temperature on the rise , the work camp groups took a break from their assignments to gather at Webber University for a lunch break, where they were met personally by Webber University president Dr. Keith Wade, who warmly welcomed them and graciously provided his campus cafeteria and a buffet of delicious food for the hard working volunteers.  After lunch, the volunteers re-grouped and headed back out to continue their work in the community.

On their website, the Lake Wales Care Center describes how their faith-based ministry is helping the community while providing guidance, faith and leadership skills to local youth.

“Our Stay at Home Work Camp (SAHWC) provides homeowners with work they would be unable to provide for on their own. Not only do campers complete work projects, they learn to work as a team and grow together during times of worship and fellowship.  Interactive lessons based on Biblical principles and emphasis on good character and leadership development are given in the morning and evening with experienced campers participating in the creation and delivery of the sessions. Many participants have been participating in SAHWC for years….”

“What started as a few individuals doing yard work for their neighbors in 1986, has now become a series of four camps each summer, hosting a total of over 350 students and leaders.”

With over three decades of commitment to providing for those that are in need; The Lake Wales Care Center has continued to serve the local community with every resource they have, faithfully and without fail.

They sponsor programs that attend to almost any need you can think of.  To keep pace with the growing need, the LWCC depends on volunteering, donations, the sales from their Thrift Stores (New Location in LW Coming Soon!) as well as other support from local businesses and the community to continue to offer the many services and outreach programs that help those in times of need.

Helping is easy through volunteering, donating items you no longer need, shopping at one or both of their stores, even using smile.amazon.com to order from Amazon.com…Just select the Lake Wales Care Center from your lists of charities. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases.

Services and programs listed on the LWCC website include such things as providing short-term financial assistance and tangible resources such as clothing, food and furniture for those who need them as well as hot meals delivered daily to area shut-ins. They also offer support for homeless families while they work through a structured program designed to help them “get back on their feet”.

They offer a free clinic for community members without health insurance located at 210 Dr JA Wiltshire Ave in Lake Wales and provide support and appropriate services for women facing unplanned pregnancies.

Other programs provide food and gifts for families facing hard times or that are in need during the holiday season; they have a community kitchen for Fellowship and food for Sunday lunches; they offer Tutoring in basic subjects, such as math and reading, GED preparation, and English for Speakers of Other Languages; They let you grow your own fruits and vegetables at their community garden location or teach you how to plant a garden at your home.

They offer Internships for participants (ranging from high school, college and young-adult) to explore the various aspects of social ministry; they operate two thrift stores (one in Lake Wales; the other in Dundee) with a wide range of items like furniture, clothes, small appliances, housewares, etc. at reasonable prices and of course, there’s the Stay at Home Work Camps for four weeks each summer.

As we head into the weekend, another Stay at Home Work Camp will begin….bringing both junior high and senior high students together; doubling the faith, fellowship, worship and leadership that will seek out and help those in our community that need it most. The Work Camp Schedule is posted below……

According to the LWCC website, there are still two weeks out of the four scheduled weeks of work camps still upcoming.

June 12 -17/ 9th – 12th grades (Completed)

June 26 – 30/ 6th – 8th grades (Completed)

July 10 – 15 / 6th – 12th grades

July 24-29 / 6th- 12th grades

 

Man Killed By Hit & Run Driver In Frostproof

Update:

The victim in this morning’s fatal hit-and-run crash has been positively identified as Jerry Dean Walker, DOB 12/21/1983, of 2709 Providence Road #33, Lakeland.

He was wearing basketball style shorts and no other clothing, and no shoes. He had beer cans on him, and impairment on his part is suspected. It does appear he was walking in the roadway when he was struck.

Deputies are continuing to look for evidence and clues to identify what make, model, and color car struck Mr. Walker. We appreciate the media’s assistance in broadcasting this information.

US Hwy 27 in that area is open to traffic at this time.

 

Original Release:

Polk County Sheriff Press Release

The PCSO Traffic Unit is on the scene of a hit-and-run fatality in Frostproof, and is seeking the public’s help

Around 12:35 a.m. this morning, Friday, July 7, 2017, the PCSO ECC received a 9-1-1 call from someone who found a deceased adult male alongside the southbound lanes of US Hwy 27, just north of Avon Park Cutoff Rd (just north of Highlands County) — the man appeared to have been struck and killed by an unknown vehicle.

The victim in this morning’s fatal hit-and-run crash has been positively identified as Jerry Dean Walker, DOB 12/21/1983, of Lakeland.

He was wearing basketball style shorts and no other clothing, and no shoes. He had beer cans on him, and impairment on his part is suspected. It does appear he was walking in the roadway when he was struck.

Deputies believe he was struck by a car, and not a semi, truck, or SUV, of an unknown color, make, and model.

If anyone has information about this incident or was traveling in the area around midnight last night/early this morning, they are urged to contact PCSO at 863-298-6200.

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL HEARTLAND CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-226-TIPS or LOG ONTO www.P3tips.com to submit your tip via the web. For a secure and password protected mobile app for your smart device, go to the app store and download the free “P3tips” mobile app. No caller ID, no recorded lines, no tracking cookies, no saved IP addresses. ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED!

Update: Polk County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Investigate July 3 shooting in Wabash/Lakeland

0

 

Update: July 7

PCSO charges two with manslaughter in homicide investigation

On Friday, July 7, 2017, PCSO Homicide detectives filed an additional charge of manslaughter with a weapon (F-1) against Polk County Inmate 18-year-old Dario Trejo, and obtained an arrest warrant charging 29-year-old John Lugo, who is at large, with one count manslaughter with a weapon (F-1), in the shooting death of 17-year-old Jake Castillo.

“Being involved in a gang is extremely dangerous – these two rival gang members, while shooting at each other, ended up killing a 17-year-old. Parents, don’t let your kids become affiliated with gang members. Get in their business, and make it your business to keep them from hanging out with gang members. The mere affiliation with someone involved in a gang can mean the difference between life and death.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

In summary, through the investigation detectives learned that Trejo and Lugo had an altercation at a gas station during the day on Monday, July 3, 2017. Trejo later picked up two friends in his Cadillac – Christopher Garcia and Jose Tinoco – and drove along Tennessee Road. Trejo told his friends that someone had “tried him” at the gas station, and they were going to look for him.

Lugo has been living at 2602 Tennessee Road for the past four months. When Lugo saw Trejo’s Cadillac drive by the house, turn around, and come back, Lugo fired a shotgun at the Cadillac, striking Tinoco in the face, and Trejo in the arm. Trejo then returned fire with a handgun, fatally wounding Jake Castillo, who was inside the home on Tennessee Road.

Excerpt from affidavit: “Based on the statements of the suspect and witnesses, the evidence recovered at the scene, and the totality of the circumstances, detectives have determined probable cause exists to charge John Lugo and Dario Trejo with manslaughter with a firearm. Their actions in furthering an altercation and furthering gang related issues contributed to the unlawful killing of Jake Castillo.”

As previously reported, Trejo and Lugo belong to rival gangs, Sur 13 and Norte 14, respectively. On July 3, 2017, Trejo was booked into the Polk County Jail with 7 counts possession of Alprazolam, one count possession of paraphernalia, and one count tampering with evidence. The new felony charge of manslaughter is being added on today.

On July 4, 2017, Lugo had a Polk County warrant issued for his arrest, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Today, detectives obtained an additional warrant for his arrest, for manslaughter with a weapon. He is still at large.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of John Lugo is urged to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477), or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. iPhone and Droid users can download a free tip submit app to anonymously report crime. To install these free apps, please visit www.tipsoft.com.

 

UPDATE: July 5th

PCSO deputies are continuing to investigate the shooting incident that resulted in three men shot on Monday, July 3, 2017, on Tennessee Road in the Wabash area of unincorporated Lakeland. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m.  17-year-old Jake Andrew Castillo of Tennessee Road died as a result of a gunshot wound to the upper torso.

The investigation has revealed 29-year-old John Lugo of Lakeland, fired shots at three passengers in a white Cadillac. Lugo’s gun shots struck 18-year-old Dario Trejo of Lakeland (the driver) and 24-year-old Jose Tinoco of Lakeland (front passenger). 18-year-old Christopher Garcia of Lakeland, was the back seat passenger and was not injured.

Deputies responded to the area and located Trejo and Tinoco and began performing first aid. Trejo and Tinoco were transported to LRHMC. Trejo suffered from a gunshot wound to his upper torso and was treated and released. Tinoco suffered from a gunshot wound to his lower left jaw and is in stable condition.

Soon after deputies responded, they found a shooting victim at a home on Tennessee Road.  Jake Castillo had been shot and they began life-saving measures. Castillo was transported to LRHMC and later succumbed to his injuries.

According to witnesses the white Cadillac drove past the house, turned around, and slowly approached the residence. The witnesses indicated shots were fired from both outside the home and from passengers inside the Cadillac. The Cadillac veered into a ditch a short distance from the home.

Shortly thereafter Lugo fled the scene. PCSO has issued an arrest warrant for Lugo for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Detectives are trying to locate Lugo.

“If you know where John Lugo is, or if you know have more information about what happened Monday night, please call Crime Stoppers.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff

If you have information about the shooting incident or the whereabouts of John Lugo call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477), or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.You must call Crime Stoppers to be eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000!By calling Crime Stoppers you will remain anonymous. iPhone and Droid users can download a free tip submit app to anonymously report crime. To install these free apps, please visit www.tipsoft.com

Trejo has been arrested and charged with seven counts possession of Xanax (F), tampering with evidence (F), and one count possession of drug paraphernalia (M), booked into the Polk County Jail, and is being held on no bond.

PCSO is continuing to investigate; further criminal charges are expected.

Previous Releases:

Update 11:36pm: 17 year old wheel chair bound Lakeland teen, Jake Castilla, gunned down outside home during apparent drive by shooting. Three Hispanic males were in the vehicle. A subject at the hime returned fire with a shot gun. Two hispanic males in the vehicle were shot and are in Lakeland Regional Medical Center, according to Sheriff Grady Judd.

Jake Castillo was wheel chair bound due to a previous drive by shooting when he was 11 yrs old, per Sheriff Grady Judd.

Press Release PCSO

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating a shooting in Lakeland

PCSO deputies are investigating a shooting that resulted in three men shot on Monday, July 3, 2017, in the area of Lebanon Road and Tennessee Road in the Wabash area of unincorporated Lakeland. The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. One man is deceased and two men were transported to LRHMC – one as a trauma patient and one with minor injuries.

According to witnesses a light colored four door Cadillac Deville drove down Lebanon Road and a number of gunshots were fired. Two victims in the vehicle were shot and one man was shot at 2642 Lebanon Road.

17-year-old Jake Andrew Castillo of 2602 Lebanon Road died as a result of a gunshot wound to the upper torso.

Update 11:15pm: One Person Dead & Two Wounded In Lakeland Shooting

PRESS RELEASE FROM POLK COUNTY SHERIFF

PCSO deputies are investigating a shooting in Lakeland
PCSO deputies responded to a triple shooting on Monday, July 3, 2017, at Tennessee Road in Lakeland.

The Sheriff will brief the media at 11:15 p.m. at the scene.

Super Hero Sundae: Friday July 7th from 8-5

Super Hero Sundae: Friday July 7th from 8-5.

We are in critical need of all blood types and as the summer stretches on it will only get worse. Help knock out this shortage and save lives by donating a pint of blood.

When you give to save a life you will receive a $10.00 Fandango Movie Voucher and an awesome Super Hero blood donor shirt that’s only for Friday the 7th! On top of all that we will be having Superhero Sundaes.

Come join the fun, save a life and knockout our blood shortage.

Winter Haven Community Blood Center, 460 1st St, Winter Haven, FL, 33880
Info call: 863-297-1840

Upcoming Events will include:
July 6th Chili’s Lake Wales 4-8
July 8th Eagle Ridge Mall 2-7
July 11th Winn Dixie LW 10-4
July 15th Eagle Ridge Mall 1-6
Wal-Mart by State
Farm 10-3
July 28th Eagle Ridge Mall 2-7
*Each donation will receive a $10.00 Fandango Gift Voucher.*

Additional goliath grouper workshop scheduled July 31 in Lake Worth

Additional goliath grouper workshop scheduled July 31 in Lake Worth 
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has scheduled an additional public workshop, to be held July 31 in Lake Worth, to gather public input on goliath grouper management, including the possibility of a limited harvest in Florida state waters.
Fifteen workshops are scheduled in total across the state in August and October, including the July 31 event. Share your input and learn more about the current status of goliath grouper by attending one of these workshops.
Workshops will be from 5 to 8 p.m. local time:
  • July 31: Lake Worth, Lantana Road Branch Library, 4020 Lantana Road.
  • Aug. 1: Key West, Key West Marriott Beachside Hotel, 3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd.
  • Aug. 2: Marathon, Hyatt Place Marathon/Florida Keys, 1996 Overseas Highway.
  • Aug. 3: Key Largo, Murray Nelson Government Center, 102050 Overseas Highway.
  • Aug. 8: Crystal River, Plantation on Crystal River, 9301 W. Fort Island Trail.
  • Aug. 9: Carrabelle, Franklin County Senior Citizens Center, 201 NW Ave. F.
  • Aug 16: Pensacola, Sanders Beach – Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 S. I St.
  • Aug. 17: Panama City, Bland Conference Center, 4750 Collegiate Drive.
  • Oct. 9: Jacksonville, Pablo Creek Regional Library, 13295 Beach Blvd.
  • Oct. 10: Titusville, American Police Hall of Fame & Museum, 6350 Horizon Drive.
  • Oct. 11: Stuart, Flagler Place, 201 SW Flagler Ave.
  • Oct. 12: Davie, Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Road.
  • Oct. 16: Pinellas Park, Bill Jackson’s Shop for Adventure, 9501 U.S. Highway 19 N.
  • Oct. 17: Port Charlotte, The Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron St.
  • Oct. 18: Naples, Collier County Public Library – South Regional, 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway.
If you cannot attend an in-person meeting, submit comments online by visiting MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments. Staff is working on a virtual workshop that should be available online in the near future. Additional details and updates to these meetings will be posted at MyFWC.com/Fishing (click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Rulemaking” and “Workshops.”)