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5 Yr Old Killed & Two Adults Injured After DUI Suspect From Bartow Reportedly Crossed The Centerline Causing Crash

Carl Fish
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5 Yr Old Killed & Two Adults Injured After DUI Suspect From Bartow Reportedly Crossed The Centerline Causing Crash

A 5-year old child was killed just after midnight Friday morning, June 7, 2024, and two other people suffered serious injuries, as a result of a three-vehicle crash in Auburndale.

The driver who caused the crash, 24-year old Robert Harrison of Bartow was treated and released from the hospital, and arrested by Traffic Homicide Investigators from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Harrison has been charged with: DUI Manslaughter (F2), DUI Serious Bodily Injury (F3, 2-counts), DUI Property Damage (M1, 2-counts), DUI (M2), and Violation of Probation (Trespassing).

Polk County Fire Rescue, Auburndale Fire Department, and deputies from the PCSO were dispatched to the crash at 2101 42nd Street NW in Auburndale at about 12:11 AM.

Upon the arrival of first responders, the 5-year old child was found deceased, with full body trauma. She was identified as Madeline Nichols of Auburndale. She was an occupant of a black 2017 Dodge Caravan, along with 32-year old Jacqueline Nichols of Auburndale (driver) and 33-year old Justin Jones of Winter Haven.

Ms. Nichols suffered head trauma and internal bleeding, and was listed in critical, but stable condition.

Mr. Jones suffered head trauma and multiple spinal fractures, and was also listed in critical, but stable condition.

According to the detectives’ preliminary investigation, Harrison’s blue 1997 Ford F350 was traveling north on 42nd Street NW when it crossed the center lane and entered the path of Ms. Nichols’ southbound Dodge Caravan.

Immediately following the collision, a white 1990 Ford pickup truck, driven by 21-year old Aaron Delgado of Eagle Lake, struck Harrison’s Ford truck. Mr. Delgado was not injured.

Harrison admitted to a PCSO detective that he had been drinking alcohol prior to the crash. He provided two breath samples for testing, and the results were a Breath Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.119 and 0.122 (the legal limit is 0.08).

Harrison is currently in the Polk County Jail.

The roadway was closed for approximately four hours.

Lake Wales Charter Schools Board To Hold Special Meeting Regarding Investigation Into Superintendent Rodolfich

Carl Fish
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Lake Wales Charter Schools Board To Hold Special Meeting Regarding Investigation Into Superintendent Rodolfich

The Lake Wales Charter Schools Board will hold a special meeting session Friday, June 7, 2024 3:00pm
at the Lake Wales High School. The public is encouraged to come as well as the media we are being told. The meeting is to go over superintendent investigation status report. The investigation stems from the LWCS HR Director receiving complaints or grievances by multiple employees in the office of the school system. On March 19th HR Director LaQuanda Burroughs received a grievance from an employee accusing Dr. Rodolfich of created a toxic and hostile work environment. The complaint stems from over a year of interactions with the Superintendent, according to the complaint all staff members have been listed as witnesses. An additional complaint was also made by reportedly a different employee stating on March 18, 2024 at 8 am Dr. Rodolfich yelled at an employee and pounded on the table. It was referred to as demoralizing and embarrassing. It was also reported that Dr. Rodolfich has allegedly discriminated against and singled out an employee due to race. HR Director LaQuanda Burroughs recommended that an external employment law firm be retained to investigate and substantiate the claims.

The Tampa law firm of Barbas Cremer, which specializes in employment and business law was the one used to conduct the investigation. The investigation has concluded.

Questions abound regarding the outcome of the investigation. Will Dr. Rodolfich be terminated? Will he be vindicated ( Dr. Rodolfich has maintained his innocence since the investigation started) and what is next depending on the outcome. If Dr. Rodolfich is terminated it would put a short timeframe in place to get a replacement before the school year starts. What will the board do? Will they put another committee together to find a replacement? Will it temporarily replace him with one of the local candidates who applied for the position in the past? Those candidates would be

Emilean Clemons 

Emilean Clemons is a homegrown candidate, who was raised in Lake Wales, attended its schools, graduated from Lake Wales High School in 1974, then returned to teach at schools in her hometown.

Andy Oguntola 

Andy Oguntola is a local candidate, with strong ties to the Lake Wales community and Polk County. He is dean of workforce education and economic development and adjunct professor.

Anuj Saran 

Anuj Saran is the principal and head of the International Baccalaureate program of Lake Wales High School. Anuj Saran has been part of the Lake Wales Charter School System shortly after it’s inception.

Each of these candidates have positives and negatives. They also all lost out to Dr. Rodolfich in their pursuit of the position. It’s also questionable if any of them have the desire to take on the job.

This is also huge hurdle for the LWCS Board. It’s gone over a substantial makeover in the last year. The chair remains the same with Funeral Director Danny Gill and two commissioners, Attorney Tanya Stewart & Dr. Lori Hutto, are still there. The board has an open seat with Banker Paul Gerrard taking leave due to additional commitments. Three newer commissioners, Banker Brian Marbutt, Mortgage Broker Raphael Unzueta and Pastor/Executive Director Andy Blair, will have their first opportunity to be part of a superintendent search.

Some questions have arisen regarding commissioner Raphael Unzueta and if he should recuse himself in any decision regarding Dr. Rodolfich since his wife is Julie Unzueta who is the Payroll Manager at Lake Wales Charter Schools and works in the office where the allegations against Dr. Rodolfich occurred.

Free PIZZA in the Park at Wall Street Park For Frostproof Youth

Carl Fish
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Free PIZZA in the Park at Wall Street Park For Frostproof Youth

Attention, Frostproofers with young Frostproofers! The City of Frostproof and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office have a great lunch-time event planned for Thursday, June 13th at Wall Street Park.

Think of it as a grand re-opening for the park with brand new playground equipment. The plan is to have some good food and good fun, and it’s all free!

We hope to see you and your children for Pizza in the Park next week!

Details: PIZZA in the Park at Wall Street Park in Frostproof June 13th, from 11am – 1PM

Children (5th Grade & below, please) are invited to check out the park’s new playground equipment!

There will also be free water guns and pizza!

Polk Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media On New A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) Crime Lab

Carl Fish
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Polk Sheriff Grady Judd To Brief Media On New A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) Crime Lab

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Dr. Randy K. Avent, President of Florida Polytechnic University, will discuss the details and launch of an exciting new initiative, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, on Friday, June 7 at 1:30 p.m., at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center, 1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven. The purpose of the collaborative effort is to protect people and keep them safe from AI threats.

Multiple components of the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will be discussed, including research, planning, and education; collaborations and partnerships; technology; protecting private data, and investigations.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Staff Reporter
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PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Southwest Florida Water Management District has received Environmental Resource permit application number 888329 from Paradise Lawn Care. Application received: February 13, 2024. Proposed activity: Construct several buildings, parking area and stormwater treatment pond. Project size: 6.0-acres Location: Section 15 Township 29, Range 27, in Polk County. Outstanding Florida Water: no. Aquatic preserve: no. The application is available for public inspection Monday through Friday at the SWFWMD Tampa Service Office located at 7601 Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL 33637. Interested persons may inspect a copy of the application and submit written comments concerning the application. Comments must include the permit application number and be received within 14 days from the date of this notice. If you wish to be notified of intended agency action or an opportunity to request an administrative hearing regarding the application, you must send a written request referencing the permit application number to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Regulation Performance Management Department, 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899 or submit your request through the District’s website at www.watermatters.org. The District does not discriminate based on disability. Anyone requiring accommodation under the ADA should contact the Regulation Performance Management Department at (352)796-7211 or 1(800)423-1476, TDD only 1(800)231-6103.

BayCare Board Approves $110 Million For Bartow Regional Medical Center Expansion

Carl Fish
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BayCare Board Approves $110 Million For Bartow Regional Medical Center Expansion

Bartow Regional Medical Center is expanding to meet the needs of a growing population. 

The BayCare Board of Trustees approved a plan on June 4, that will take the hospital from a 72-bed hospital to 90 beds, along with enhancing its emergency, catheterization lab and surgical services departments. 

“Bartow Regional Medical Center is located in one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation,” said Karen Kerr, the hospital’s president. “This project aligns perfectly with our mission to improve the health of all we serve. Our team has been working for months to determine how best to care for our community and we’re excited to move forward.” 

The project, designed by Tampa-based HDR Architecture, has multiple phases, Kerr said. The first step is to relocate Bartow Regional Medical Center’s helipad to make room for the expanded Emergency Department, which will add 27 examination areas and a second floor. The following expansions are also planned: 

  • Moving the ICU to the new second floor and doubling the size from 6 to 12 beds 
  • Adding a 12-bed ICU step down unit to the new second floor 
  • Adding one additional cath lab/interventional radiology suite  
  • Adding two additional operating rooms 
  • Adding 11 new post anesthesia care unit (PACU) bays 
  • Adding space for Sterile Processing Department (SPD) 
  • Adding space for Clinical Engineering 

The project also includes renovations to: Pharmacy, Lab, Operating Room Support, SPD, and Central Plant areas. 

Bartow Regional Medical Center’s expansion, approved on June 4, will add nearly 70,000 square feet to the current building.

The $110 million project is targeted to begin construction by the end of this year.

Bartow Regional Medical Center joined BayCare Health System in 2016. Since then, Polk County’s population has increased by more than 152,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2018, Bartow Regional Medical Center saw about 37,000 emergency visits, and in 2023, the hospital saw 40,700 such patients.  

“We’re committed to growing along with our community so we can meet their needs and provide access to high-quality healthcare that’s close to home,” said BayCare Co-Chief Operating Officer Kimberly Guy. “We’re excited that this project will put our patients first, as we always do.” 

In the years since BayCare acquired Bartow Regional, the hospital has become a Primary Stroke Center (PSC)-certified hospital by the DNV, received certification as a robotic surgery center of excellence, established a STEMI program, provided cutting-edge services to the community such as aquablation and earned “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group, which assesses hospital safety. 

Bartow Regional Medical Center is a 72-bed acute care hospital serving South Lakeland, Bartow, Ft. Meade, Mulberry, rural south Polk County and northern Hardee County. Physicians and health care professionals at Bartow Regional Medical Center provide a variety of services. The hospital is equipped with four surgery suites and two gastroenterology suites. The emergency services department is staffed with board-certified emergency physicians and specially trained nurses, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to treat all types of emergency situations. The hospital is located at 2200 Osprey Blvd., Bartow, Florida. For more information: BayCare.org/BRMC. 

In Loving Memory Of H.L. Hiers

Carl Fish
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In Loving Memory Of H.L. Hiers

H.L. Hiers of Lake Wales passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at his residence.

He was born September 25, 1930 in Bartow to the late Harley and Thelma Hiers; he has been a lifelong resident of the area. H.L. graduated from Summerlin-Bartow High School where he was very active in sports. He was the quarterback of the football team and was the state champion for track in discus, high jump, and high hurdles. H.L. attended the University of Alabama on a track scholarship for one year before returning home to work for his father in citrus. He then received a scholarship to the University of Tampa where he played football, basketball, and baseball. H.L. enlisted into the United States Navy where he was stationed on the USS Intrepid which toured around the Mediterranean Sea. While serving, he played on the Navy basketball team. H.L. finished his education at the University of Tampa with a degree in physical education and social studies. He received his master’s degree in education from Stetson University. H.L. began his career in education at Lake Wales High School where he taught social studies and coached track. He later became the principal of Lake Wales High School in the late 1960’s. During his tenure as track coach, his team won a state championship. H.L. was an avid golfer, he was the Club Champion of the Lake Wales Country Club and played in many tournaments throughout Polk County. He was principal of Hillcrest Elementary School for many years. H.L. was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Lake Wales where he was a lay leader, usher, choir singer, and head of the Methodist Men. He also taught men’s bible class for 25 years. H.L.’s especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

H.L. was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Thelma Hiers; sister, Joanne Henderson; and brother, David Hiers. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Thalia Whitehurst Hiers; children, Brad Hiers and wife Wendy, Dean Hiers and wife Lynn, and Fran Bean and husband Derek; grandchildren, Bradley Hiers and wife Amanda, Ashley Fallin and husband Mike, Luke Hiers and wife Morgan, Lyle Hiers and wife Summer, Olivia Hiers, Brent Bean, and William Bean; and great-grandchildren, Hannah Grace Hiers, Harrison Hiers, Bennett Hiers, Miller Fallin, Taylor Fallin; and sister, Janice Wolff.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 6, 2024 at First United Methodist Church of Lake Wales with Pastor Ron Burks officiating. Interment will follow at Lake Wales Cemetery. 

Two Additional Suspects Arrested In The Homicide Death Of Ethan Fussell

Carl Fish
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Two Additional Suspects Arrested In The Homicide Death Of Ethan Fussell

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide detectives continue to make arrests, including felony murder charges, in the investigation surrounding the homicide of 21-year-old Ethan Fussell.

“As I said on Monday, in some investigations one can choose to be a witness, or a suspect. And here we are putting two more suspects behind bars. We know now that Talon and Adonai brutally murdered Ethan Fussell, and they are being charged accordingly. We still need the public’s help to find Ethan’s body and return him home to his grieving family. Please contact Heartland Crime Stoppers – you will remain totally anonymous and get a cash reward.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Crystal Droweingo (23) of Lakeland, was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail on June 3, 2024, and charged with giving false info to a LEO during a capital felony (F3) and tampering with evidence (F3). On June 4, 2024, she was additionally charged with accessory after the fact of a capital felony (F1). Crystal is Adonai Rivera’s girlfriend. 

Autumn Thomas (25) of Lakeland, was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail on June 4, 2024, and charged with giving false info to a LEO during a capital felony (F3), tampering with a witness (F3), and accessory after the fact of a capital felony (F1). Autumn is Talon Page’s girlfriend.

Detectives confirmed Crystal was at Talon Page’s house on Driggers Road the night Ethan disappeared; Autumn denied being there but detectives were able to confirm she was there as well. 

As the investigation progressed, detectives learned the following: Autumn lied about her whereabouts during that time frame; contacted others and told them to lie to detectives; and helped Talon evade law enforcement, knowing they were looking for him. 

Crystal lied to detectives by saying she was asleep when Ethan was killed by Talon and Adonai, and aided in the cover-up of his death by continually lying to detectives.

On June 4, 2024, detectives reviewed new video evidence that was previously requested through search warrants and ultimately delivered to PCSO, that shows the Talon severely beating Ethan. The recording took place inside Talon’s Driggers Road home and the carpet, which was later removed and disposed of by the two suspects, is clearly seen with Ethan’s blood on it. Evidence retrieved by detectives also confirms Crystal was not asleep during the time frame she claimed to be.

During a search warrant on May 15, 2024, detectives discovered that the carpet had several large pieces missing and a carpet cleaner in the home had blood residue which matched Ethan’s blood. The video was time stamped 18 minutes after Ethan’s last text message to his girlfriend, where he stated he was going to sleep at that house. 

Talon Page and Adonai Moran-Rivera were both arrested and charged with accessory after the fact in a capital felony (F1), and tampering/destroying evidence (F3) on June 2, 2024. 

Yesterday, June 4, 2024, they were both additionally charged with first degree murder, a life felony, and two counts of tampering/destroying evidence (F3).

FL TAG: CC02IL
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating Talon Page’s 2000 silver Lexus 400, four doors with a with dark tinted windows, a sun roof, and FL tag CC02IL.

It was last seen heading east on I-4 in the Lakeland area around 4:00 p.m. on May 13, 2024.

If you have information on the whereabouts of this vehicle and/or Ethan’s body and wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

  • CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)
  • DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
  • VISIT the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
  • DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

You will always remain anonymous and you may be eligible for a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest.  

Additional Victim Comes Forward Regarding Bartow Police Officer Who Was Arrested For Inappropriate Relationship With A Minor

Carl Fish
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Additional Victim Comes Forward Regarding Bartow Police Officer Who Was Arrested For Inappropriate Relationship With A Minor

The former Bartow police officer who remains in the Polk County Jail for his arrest on May 28, 2024 for inappropriate and criminal behavior with four teenage females, now has additional criminal charges from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Detectives from the PCSO became aware of a comment on a Facebook post about the arrest of 24-year old Markanthony Fernandez, which indicated that the commenter may also have been a victim of Fernandez.

The commenter was contacted by a PCSO detective and she agreed to speak about an encounter she had with Fernandez back in July of 2023.

The adult victim stated that Fernandez had reached out to her on Facebook and immediately became persistent about going out on a date with her, and she eventually agreed. She said that during the date, he slapped her, hit her with a fist, and choked her to the point she couldn’t breathe. The victim said she began to scream and begged Fernandez to stop as he sexually battered her.

The victim provided detectives with text messages from Fernandez that showed he attempted numerous times to solicit her for sex, but she continually refused.

A detective attempted to speak to Fernandez in the Polk County Jail about the new accusations against him, but he declined to make a statement.

Mark Anthony Fernandez was additionally charged with Sexual Battery with Physical Force (FL) and Aggravated Stalking (F3).

“When we make an arrest during an investigation, it doesn’t necessarily mean the investigation is finished. We often hear from others who claim to have been victimized by the suspect. We investigate those claims, and if we find probable cause, we will most definitely tack-on additional charges. We want to see every victim receive justice. If there are any more victims of Markanthony Fernandez, please come forward.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff 

Tests Confirm Significant Amount Of Blood, Which Suspects Allegedly Tried To Conceal Was Ethan Fussell’s

Carl Fish
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Tests Confirm Significant Amount Of Blood, Which Suspects Allegedly Tried To Conceal Was Ethan Fussell’s

Sheriff Judd briefed the media this afternoon with an update on the Ethan Fussell missing persons case, which is now considered a homicide.

The following suspects have been arrested so far:

Talon Page, DOB 1/18/1999, of 1116 Driggers Road in Lakeland; charged with one count accessory after the fact of a capital felony (F1), and one count destroying/tampering with evidence (F3). His criminal history includes 11 previous felonies and 16 previous misdemeanors.

Adonai Moran-Rivera, DOB 10/5/2002, who also lives at the Driggers Road address; charged with one count accessory after the fact of a capital felony (F1), and one count destroying/tampering with evidence (F3). His criminal history includes 41 previous felonies, 16 previous misdemeanors, and a trip to state prison from which he was released in May 2023.

They were both arrested on Sunday, June 2, 2024, in Mulberry after PCSO received a tip that they were seen at a house there. Deputies arrived and arrested them for their active warrants. They refused to cooperate with this investigation.

Sheriff Grady Judd revealed to the media that a significant amount of blood found at the house on Driggers Rd. tested positive to Ethan Fussell. The suspects tried to tamper with the evidence, by allegedly cleaning up the crime scene.

Heartland Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information on the whereabouts of Ethan Fussell’s body and any other arrests related to his murder.

Full Press Conference Here:

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