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FWC law enforcement to participate in Operation Dry Water, national effort against boating under the influence

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FWC law enforcement to participate in Operation Dry Water, national effort against boating under the influence
FWC law enforcement to participate in Operation Dry Water, national effort against boating under the influence
 
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds boaters, as the holiday weekend approaches, that boating under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is dangerous and illegal. During Operation Dry Water June 30-July 2, and extending through the July Fourth holiday, boaters can expect to see more officers on the water.
 
During this annual three-day awareness and enforcement campaign, officers will be educating the public, identifying and deterring operators from boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Law enforcement agencies nationwide will be out June 30-July 2, looking for boaters who choose to boat under the influence, and removing them from the water.
 
“Although the national Operation Dry Water event goes through July 2, FWC law enforcement officers will be extending our efforts through the Independence Day holiday to help everyone have a fun and safe holiday weekend on the water,” said Maj. Robert Rowe, FWC’s Boating and Waterways section leader.
Increased awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence, along with officers focused on identifying impaired operators, aim to drastically reduce the number of accidents and deaths due to impaired boating.
 
“A big part of enjoying Florida’s beautiful waterways is doing so safely and responsibly. It is our job as law enforcement officers to identify and remove impaired boaters from the water so that everyone else can continue to have an enjoyable boating season,” said Rowe. “By participating in Operation Dry Water, the FWC joins thousands of law enforcement officers nationwide to decrease the number of accidents, injuries and deaths that come as a result of boaters who choose to drink and boat.”
In Florida it is illegal to operate a vessel with a blood alcohol content level of 0.08 percent or higher. Alcohol use is one of the leading contributing factors in recreational boater deaths. In 2016, July had more reportable accidents (96) and more fatal accidents (eight) than any other month. Last year in Florida, 24 percent of fatal accident victims (16) were related to alcohol or drug use. During the national Operation Dry Water weekend of heightened awareness and high-visibility enforcement, boaters can expect to see an enhanced law enforcement presence and increased messaging about this dangerous and preventable crime.

Cooking on the Ridge: Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers

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Cooking on the Ridge: Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers

Pineapple Teriyaki Burgers

Ingredients

Directions

  • Prep 25 m

  • Cook 20 m

  • Ready In 45 m

  1. Preheat the oven’s broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Spray a broiling rack with cooking spray.
  2. Place pineapple slices on a baking sheet and broil just until lightly browned, about 1 minute per side. Set the pineapple slices aside.
  3. Thoroughly mix ground beef, bread crumbs, water chestnuts, teriyaki sauce, egg, minced ginger, Asian seasoning blend, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl; divide in half and form 2 large patties. Place the patties onto the prepared broiling rack.
  4. Broil patties until burgers are browned and no longer pink inside, 5 to 8 minutes per side. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the middle of a burger should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
  5. Place half the lettuce onto the bottom half of each bun; top with a burger and a slice of pineapple. Place bun tops on sandwiches and serve.

Summer reads for kids from the Grateful American Book Prize

Staff Reporter
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Summer reads for kids from the Grateful American Book Prize
Summer reads for kids from the Grateful American Book Prize
 
WASHINGTON, DC – Kids learn how to read in school, but they learn the love of it at home, according to education advocate David Bruce Smith.  “In the formative years, it is important that parents and grandparents read to their children.  It teaches them to appreciate a good story.  In later years, take them to the library and let them pick books that have a special appeal for them,” he suggests.
Smith is co-founder of the Grateful American Book Prize, an award-which those who know him-say reflects his love of good reads and-for history.  He partnered with the former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, Dr. Bruce Cole, to create the Prize.
“In this digital age, fewer and fewer of our children know the historical origins of the United States. Our aim is to show them how a story can “send” them on fascinating, exciting and adventurous journeys whenever they want. The idea is to encourage young people to learn more-with the hope that they will mature into responsible and productive citizens.” says Smith.
The first two books to win the Prize in 2015 and 2016 – Like a River and The Drum of Destiny – did just that, he says.  “And now we are in the midst of a hunt for the 2017 Grateful American Book Prize, which is open for submissions through July 31.”
According to Smith each of those novels was an excellent choice for kids.
When Kathy Cannon Wiechman won for Like a River: A Civil War Novel, Smith said: “it is an exemplar of what the Prize is all about-to encourage authors and publishers to produce fiction and nonfiction that accurately depict the past as a means of engaging young readers in American history.  Like a River is a page-turner about the plights of a pair of teens-on the battlefield–caught up in the conflict between the states.  To call it riveting is a disservice.  The book rouses the emotions of its readers in a way that leaves them wanting to learn more about that critical era in the evolution of the country.  It goes beyond the dry retelling of the Civil War that often puts students to sleep at their desks during history class.”
Chris Stevenson’s The Drum of Destiny is the tale of a boy on his way to join the American Revolution’s Continental Army. The author says “by reading Drum of Destiny, young readers can learn about history without realizing they are learning about history.  Most history textbooks are written with the idea of teaching kids facts they can memorize so they can then take a test.  This method misses the most important aspects of history.  The real life stories, the reasons behind the facts, and the character of our country’s founders are where the real learning is discovered.”
Smith also recommends other books that might have summer appeal for boys and girls:
  • Homesick: My Own Story by Jean Fritz
  • A Buss From Lafayette by Dorothea Jensen
  • I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
  • The Revelations of Louisa May by Michaela MacColl
  • Night by Elie Wiesel
  • Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes
  • The Wright Brothers by David McCullough
  • Go Ask Alice by Anonymous

Man Fleeing Lake Wales Police Tripped Up By His Own Pants

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Man Fleeing Lake Wales Police Tripped Up By His Own Pants
Attrice Brooks

Fleeing suspect tripped up by his own pants

Lake Wales, Florida – According to reports on Sunday, June 18, Lake Wales Police observed a white Chevy Malibu without a tag light driving East on S.R. 60. An officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at 3rd Street and Domaris Avenue. As the officer was about to exit his patrol car the vehicle fled southbound on 3rd Street. The officer went through the intersection and saw the suspect stop the vehicle a half a block away and fled on foot into the area of the Garden Apartments. The officer pursued on foot and gave the suspect verbal commands to stop and the suspect did not comply continuing to run. The officer gave more verbal commands for him to stop and took out his Taser and advised him he would be tased if he did not stop. The suspect fell while he was running due to his pants falling down in the parking lot of the Garden Apartments where he surrendered on the southwest corner of the complex. After the suspect was apprehended, the officer asked him why he ran from him and the suspect said, “Because I don’t have a license”.

The suspect in this case is Attrice Brooks, 34, and it was confirmed he did not have a driver’s license. Brooks was arrested for no driver’s license and resisting arrest. He was booked into the Polk County Jail.

Polk County Woman Found Guilty Of Killing Her Lover Allegedly To Hide The Affair From Her Husband

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Polk County Woman Found Guilty Of Killing Her Lover Allegedly To Hide The Affair From Her Husband
Facebook Photo By State Attorney’s Office

Bartow, Florida – After about an hour and a half of deliberation, Victoria Collins was found guilty today of the first-degree murder of Gary Greenfield, says the state attorneys office. Jurors also convicted her of tampering with physical evidence and three counts of petty theft. The state attorney’s office would go on to say that Judge Harb sentenced her to life in prison this afternoon.

Victoria Collins, was indicted by the grand jury for First-Degree Murder, Tampering with Evidence, and two counts of Grand Theft in the homicide of 65-year-old Gary Greenfield in December of 2015.

On July 29, 2015 the badly decomposing body of Gary Greenfield was found in an area behind a mobile home he was renting from Collins, on Windsong Drive in Lakeland. According to published reports Collins was married, but had been in love with Greenfield for over 40 years. She and her husband moved to Florida a few years ago and Greenfield, an over the road truck driver, eventually followed. They had continued the affair with Collins renting him a trailer without notifying her husband.

Greenfield had a high dosage of ambien in his system when his body was found, 6 weeks after the last time anyone saw him alive. Collins had a prescription of that ambien. The case may have never been solved if it wasn’t for a weird circumstance that lead PCSO deputies to interview Collins according to an article by Channel 8 news.

“Detectives couldn’t pin the suspect until an unlikely source handed over some vital information.

A Lakeland Ledger reporter, Clifford Parody, left his personal number for Collins. Parody soon received a call from someone using a different name. The caller gave a concocted story, hoping the paper would jump.

“Her hope was the media would run this elaborate story,” Judd said. “They figured out early on that didn’t pass the smell test.”

“The information she gave to The Ledger reporter clearly told us that no one but the murderer and the homicide detectives knew that information,” he added.

Detectives traced the call back to a phone Collins purchased at a Walmart”

Lake Wales 9/10 Minor Softball All Stars Win District 4 Championship

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Lake Wales 9/10 Minor Softball All Stars Win District 4 Championship

Lake Wales 9/10 Minor Softball All Stars completed district play at home this weekend winning District 4 championship and now advance to regional play at sectionals early next month in Lakewood Ranch.

Way to represent Ladies!

 

Woman Medically Evacuated By Helicopter After Head-On Collision Friday Night In Frostproof

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Woman Medically Evacuated By Helicopter After Head-On Collision Friday Night In Frostproof

Woman Medically Evacuated By Helicopter After Head-On Collision Friday Night In Frostproof

Frostproof, Florida – According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office they are investigating a two vehicle accident that occurred on Friday night in Frostproof. The accident occurred at 7:12 p.m. on US Hwy 27 and CR 630-A. Exact details of the crash are not available at this time, but it is reported to be a head-on collision. The vehicle’s involved appeared to be a white Toyota and a red Dodge. One victim was transported by helicopter to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. Her name or her condition were not available at this time by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

We will update this story if more information is obtained.

Actress Carrie Fisher Found To Have Cocaine, Morphine, Oxycodone & Codeine In Her System

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Actress Carrie Fisher Found To Have Cocaine, Morphine, Oxycodone & Codeine In Her System

Carrie Fisher had cocaine, morphine, codeine and oxycodone in her system when she was hospitalized after suffering a massive heart attack on board a flight to LAX.
The L.A. County Coroner released its full autopsy, including toxicology, and it revealed the slew of drugs. In addition to the cocaine and opiates found in a urine analysis … there was also a very little amount of MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, and heroin. The dose and time both drugs were taken could not be determined.
The report says it’s unclear how much of a role, if any, the drugs played in her death on Dec. 27.

Full Story Here: CARRIE FISHER TESTS REVEALED COCAINE, OTHER OPIATES … Unclear If They Contributed to Death

Corizon Health Nurse Arrested for Introducing Contraband into South County Jail

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Corizon Health Nurse Arrested for Introducing Contraband into South County Jail

PCSO deputies arrested Corizon Health Nurse for introducing contraband into South County Jail

PCSO deputies arrested Corizon Health Nurse, 32-year-old Andrea Sarvey of Winter Haven, on June 16, 2017, for introducing contraband into detention facility (F3), conspiracy to introduce contraband (F3), sexual misconduct with inmates (F3), and interference with county prisoner. She admitted to deputies that she brought in cigarettes, coffee, and stamped envelopes to an inmate she met while working in the facility. She also admitted to engaging in sex acts with the inmate in the nurses station.

According to the affidavit, Sarvey is a contracted employee (a licensed practical nurse) through Corizon Health, she started working at the South County Jail on 11-15-16. Corizon Health provides health care for inmates in detention facilities. She was assigned to the South County Jail in Frostproof, and admitted to being in a relationship with inmate Aubrey Pettus for approximately 4 months. Sarvey has no previous relationship with Pettus prior to January, 2017

Sarvey and Pettus had numerous telephone conversations and medical appointments.  After receiving a tip about an inappropriate relationship between Sarvey and Pettus, deputies reviewed recorded inmate telephone calls and discovered Sarvey and Pettus have had, on numerous occasions, discussed bringing in contraband items into the facility for Pettus.

Sarvey admitted their relationship began around March and Pettus would tell her, “If you love me, you will bring me this.”

On June 16, 2017, Sarvey reported to work and was approached by detectives. During the interview she admitted to bringing in cigarettes, coffee, and stamped envelopes. Deputies also discovered Sarvey in possession of one unopened pack of Methol “305” cigarettes and two opened packs of “305” cigarettes. Sarvey stated she would place the coffee or cigarettes in a pass through window from her medical station to the dorm for Pettus to receive.

A search of Sarvey’s vehicle was conducted and detectives found numerous love letters from Pettus to Sarvey, and a box of stamped envelopes.

Sarvey also told detectives she and Pettus would engage in sexual acts while she was on-duty, and out of sight of other staff members.

Aubrey Pettus has been charged with conspiracy to introduce contraband into a detention facility.  Pettus is incarcerated for previous methamphetamine trafficking and violation of probation (VOP) charges. Pettus has an extensive criminal history including 29 felony and 9 misdemeanor charges; he has been sentenced to Florida State Prison four times.

Sarvey is no longer employed with Corizon Healthshe was fired immediately. She was taken into custody on the above charges, booked into the Polk County Jail, and is waiting first appearance for a bond amount.

 

UPDATE on Single Vehicle Accident on County Line Road and Swindell Road

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UPDATE on Single Vehicle Accident on County Line Road and Swindell Road
On 06/19/2017, 3:40 AM, PCSO Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 call regarding a single vehicle crash at the intersection of County Line Road and Swindell Road, Lakeland. Fire and Medic units responded and determined the single occupant of the vehicle was deceased.
 
The area of the crash is a “T” intersection where County Line Road intersects with Swindell Road. County Line Road in the area of the crash is a four lane highway with divided grass median that travels in a north/south direction. The northbound lanes are marked for left and right turns only. Two stops signs are installed on the east and west sides of the roadway. There are no paved roads on the north side of this intersection. Swindell Road in the area of the crash is a three lane road with westbound and eastbound through lanes. There is also a westbound left turn lane for traffic to turn onto southbound County Line Road. The speed limit on County Line Road in the area of the crash is 45 mph. It was dark at the time of the crash with street lights providing some illumination.
 
Evidence at the scene indicates that a 2004 red Chrysler Town & Country van, was northbound on County Line Road at Swindell Road, Lakeland. The driver, 33-year-old Jennifer G. Hallman of Plant City, appeared to be driving over the posted 45 mph speed limit and failed to see the stop signs at the intersection. The van travelled through the intersection, striking a cautionary sign indicating vehicles had to turn left or right, and continued north approximately 80 feet until it struck a large oak tree. After striking the tree, the van rotated clockwise around it 90 degrees, coming to final rest facing east.
 
The airbags in the van deployed, but it does not appear as if the driver was seat belted.
 
Speed appears to be a factor in this crash. Impairment and distraction are not known at this time, and are under investigation.
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