A youth pastor at a Lakeland church was arrested yesterday for attempting to have sex with a minor whom he met in the youth group at the church.
He’s been charged with attempted unlawful sex with a minor (F3) and interference with child custody (F3).
We will bring you the full story this afternoon.
Detectives have arrested two 16-year-old suspects in the homicide of Taigur Taguri. Both were located yesterday at a home on Gause Street in Bartow near the park where the homicide occurred. Both are being charged with first degree murder. One of the suspect’s father was also arrested on drug charges.
We will have more information from Sheriff Grady Judd at 12:30 today.
Original Release:
Sheriff Grady Judd briefed the media this morning from the scene of a homicide investigation. Here are some preliminary details:
Around 9:40 p.m. last evening (Monday, June 7, 2021) the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from Gordon Heights Park near Bartow in reference to a shooting.
When deputies arrived on-scene they located 17-year-old Taigur Taguri of Bartow deceased in the driver’s seat of a red Chevrolet Silverado truck. A female witness was in the passenger seat and told deputies the following: Taigur was hanging out with her in Lakeland earlier in the evening when he asked her if she wanted to go for a ride. They ended up at this park, where she has not been before; she was not quite sure where they were. He told her when they arrived that he was going to sell marijuana to some guys.
The witness then saw several unknown black males approach the truck, open both doors, and begin shooting the victim. Multiple firearms were discharged and Taigur was shot multiple times. The witness, miraculously, was not hit by any bullets.
The suspects then fled the scene. The victim’s truck has been towed to PCSO Crime Scene for processing. A photo of the victim is attached in the link below.
We are seeking information about this homicide. If you have any information please contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). There is a cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous. www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.
Polk County School Board Press Release
Polk County Public Schools is no longer requiring students and staff to wear face coverings.
During tonight’s meeting, the Polk County School Board voted unanimously to lift a requirement that students wear face coverings. The requirement for PCPS employees to wear face coverings is also being lifted.
Beginning tomorrow (June 9, 2021), face coverings will no longer be mandatory in PCPS schools, offices, and buses. Face coverings will be optional for students and staff members for the 2021-22 school year.
“We still continue to encourage masks for anybody who is not vaccinated, but we are giving the option and flexibility to families and staff to make those decisions,” said Frederick Heid, incoming PCPS superintendent.
Students who opt to wear face coverings must comply with general dress code and school uniform requirements.
Winter Haven Police Department
This guy! Can you identify him?
On June 2, 2021, he enters Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) around 9:10 p.m. and proceeds to select a large TV and two hover boards to the tune of $707.
He takes them to the Garden Center where he goes to the fenced area. Finds a weak spot in the fence and stages the items just inside the fence. He then walks back through the store to the grocery side and leaves the store empty handed. He proceeds around to the outside of the Garden Center and reaches through the fence to retrieve the items.
Video shows him loading up and leaving in a white four-door sedan.
If you recognize him, contact Det. Taylor at 863-837-9074.
Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS(8477). Callers are guaranteed anonymity and could be eligible for a CASH reward.
Gail Quam Retires After 36 Years As Principal Of Polk Avenue Elementary
by James Coulter
Polk Avenue Elementary in Lake Wales has a unique new tradition. Whenever a student meets their academic goal, they can ring the bell installed in the school courtyard. The bell is positioned so that everyone in the school can hear it when it rings out.
Principal Gail Quam had served at the school for the past 36 years. Now that she had retired, she had met a goal of her own. So during her retirement ceremony, she proudly rang out the bell in honor of her accomplishment.
Her students, colleagues, and friends celebrated her retirement from her 36-year-long career on Thursday afternoon. Everyone gathered in the school courtyard for the celebration to hear kind words spoken on her behalf and to witness gifts and honors conferred to her.
Mrs. Quam was presented with the Jerry Miller Community Leadership Award from the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce, which confers the awards to select residents who exemplify community service. She also received a glass plaque from the school officials, a birdbath for her new lakeside home, and a plaque naming the school courtyard after her.
Ever since she started her career at the school 36 years ago, Mrs. Quam owed her success to the many friends she made within the staff. They encouraged her to do her best and offered her advice on how she could approve.
Such support allowed her to progress in her career from a humble teacher to the principal for the past 14 years, and it will be such close friendships she will miss most now that she has retired, she said.
“I have been blessed over the years to work with amazing people, amazing teachers, and amazing people as individuals,” Quam said. “I know that I am leaving Polk Avenue in such great hands, and that is such a comforting thought to know that you all have what is best in mind for our students, and that will continue, and I love each one of you very much.”
Gail Quam and her husband, Rob, originally planned to move to a larger community after spending one year working at an elementary school. However, upon joining Polk Avenue Elementary, her initial one-year assignment bloomed into a 36-year-long career.
She started her career in 1985 as a classroom teacher. She taught first, second, and third grade. She became a reading facilitator in 1997, an assistant principal in 2003, and then as a principal in 2007, where she continued for 14 long and fruitful years.
“During these years, she has served with distinction, and her devotion to children has not gone unnoticed,” said Dr. Greg Hall, President Emeritus of Warner University, who offered the tribute that afternoon. “The school has enjoyed no small amount of influence and remarkable success under her leadership.”
At the end of her third year as principal, Polk Avenue was only one of a handful of schools in Polk County and the only school in Lake Wales to improve two full letter grades in state ranking for school improvement. Her secret was her emphasis on improving school character. When character improved, so would academics, she said.
“She was right, and the school has benefited greatly from such wisdom and insight,” Dr. Hall said. “This achievement is remarkable to the point where it cannot be overstated. This is a first-class upgrade of which the entire school can take pride.”
Her husband, Rob, mentioned how she never approached her position as a job. Instead, she considered her students and staff like family, and she would treat them as such. That reason was why she applied for the school in the first place: because she loved the people within it and wanted them to succeed.
“These are the reasons your legacy is going to last,” Dr. Hall said. “Your fingerprints will forever be on this place…It is the stuff of greatness. Gail, you have set the bar pretty high, but that is the way it should be. We need these examples of leadership.”
However, while she has formally retired, her career has not truly ended. If anything, this ending in her life is yet another beginning for her, and one that she will no doubt use for the benefit of others, as had been her focus during the past 36 years.
“I regret to inform you that when it comes to being retired, there is no such thing for a truly called person,” Dr. Hall said. “You are about to not be retired but rather to be re-deployed. Your best, most productive, most influential years are before you, not behind you. We anxiously await what the Heavenly Father has for you today. Three are assignments coming down the pipe that you alone are the one uniquely qualified to perform.”
Several students and teachers offered words of gratitude for her. Two of them were staff members who had previously attended the school as students. They now serve proudly as colleagues for the woman who helped shape and influence their life.
Another student, Artuno Barcenas, mentioned how honored he was to have Mrs. Quam as his principal. She always showed respect to the students and allowed them to lead forums and discussions at the school. Overall, she taught them how to be kind, how to help others, and how to keep the Seven Habits held dear at their school.
“Every time I would get my report card, she would write a note at the end with words of encouragement,” Artuno said. “She saw the best in someone. When I went to school, every day I felt I got to her school instead of having to go to school. I really loved that. Thank you for making Polk Avenue a home away from home.”
City of Winter Haven
Mayor Brad Dantzler was recently appointed to the Florida League of Cities 2021-2022 Legislative Policy Committee where he will help develop the League’s Legislative Action Agenda detailing priority issues likely to affect municipal governance and local decision-making during the upcoming legislative session. Mayor Dantzler was recently recognized by the Florida League of Cities with the Home Rule Hero Award due to his hard work throughout the Legislative session to protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the League’s legislative agenda. His advocacy work will continue as he serves on this important committee. Congratulations Mayor Dantzler! Thank you for serving as a voice on behalf of the City of Winter Haven.
Sheriff Grady Judd briefed the media this morning from the scene of a homicide investigation. Here are some preliminary details:
Around 9:40 p.m. last evening (Monday, June 7, 2021) the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from Gordon Heights Park near Bartow in reference to a shooting.
When deputies arrived on-scene they located 17-year-old Taigur Taguri of Bartow deceased in the driver’s seat of a red Chevrolet Silverado truck. A female witness was in the passenger seat and told deputies the following: Taigur was hanging out with her in Lakeland earlier in the evening when he asked her if she wanted to go for a ride. They ended up at this park, where she has not been before; she was not quite sure where they were. He told her when they arrived that he was going to sell marijuana to some guys.
The witness then saw several unknown black males approach the truck, open both doors, and begin shooting the victim. Multiple firearms were discharged and Taigur was shot multiple times. The witness, miraculously, was not hit by any bullets.
The suspects then fled the scene. The victim’s truck has been towed to PCSO Crime Scene for processing. A photo of the victim is attached in the link below.
We are seeking information about this homicide. If you have any information please contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). There is a cash reward and you will remain completely anonymous. www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.
Haines City Fire Departments Served Homemade Lunch by Local Volunteers
by James Coulter
Fire Chief Jeff Davidson has been working for the Haines City Fire Department for two and a half years. Throughout his career, being able to serve people in need has been his biggest motivation in waking up in the morning and performing his duty.
Whether it’s assisting a resident with an emergency call or simply volunteering for a community event, Chief Davidson considers it a privilege to serve his town through his position at the city fire department.
“Our biggest satisfaction and what motivates me is being able to help people in need, being able to bring normalcy back to a bad situation when they call 911 or even in a non-emergency situation, that we can help the community and be able to give back,” Chief Davidson said. “That is the most satisfying part of the job.”
As someone who has assisted his community, he appreciates when his community assists them back. Such was the case last Friday when he and his fellow fire fighters were served a homemade lunch by local volunteers.
Melanie Brown Culpepper, owner and founder of the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation, delivered several dozen homemade meals as prepared by Freedom Church in Lake Wales. The meals consisted of baked lasagna with several other fixings, brownies, and sports drinks.
“It was a blessing to have Melanie and her Foundation come and enjoy a meal with us,” Chief Davidson said. “We appreciate her taking time out of her day to recognize the hard work the brave men and women of the fire department offers.”
Deputy Chief Tom Murphy has been working at the department for three years. Aside from enjoying a good, old-fashioned homemade meal, also appreciated being honored for his service by being served by someone from the local community.
“That was very special,” he said. As to what motivates him in his career, he replied: “The fire services is a great career, it is the best in the world, and one of the things you do to help people. But to make the department better when you leave than it was when you come in is the truly great part about this job.”
Melanie Brown Culpepper made her delivery with several other volunteers as part of First Friday, when she delivers homemade meals to fire fighters and other responders on the first Friday of the month.
Melanie started the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation to help give back to local first responders and other fire rescue service members. The foundation was started in memory of her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, who passed away from heart failure.
First responders from the Winter Haven Fire Department arrived to attend to his time of need. While they were unable to save him from his cardiac arrest, Melanie nevertheless remains grateful for their service.
“They make it, I take it,” Melanie said. “I want to thank you all for everything you do. I never knew what you all went through until that day, and I personally do not wish that on you all because I don’t know how you all do it but I pray for you and honor you.”
She started her foundation to support them and to provide defibrillators throughout Winter Haven. She has already raised proceeds through “Walking For a Heart”, hosted earlier this February in Winter Haven. She will be hosting the upcoming “Fishing for a Heart” tournament on Sat., June 12 at Lake Shipp. (For more info, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper/)
Jane Waters, Haines City CRA Project Manager, and a close friend of Melanie’s, helped assist with the deliveries that day. She commended Melanie for her efforts, and likewise commended the efforts of the fire department.
“The work she has done is amazing,” Waters said. “She raises money for supplies for first responders, and she is giving money to the Polk State College foundation for first responders so they can [have medical equipment] and all those [other] things we need on the street.”
The meals were prepared by Freedom Church in Lake Wales, headed by Pastor Bobby Williams. Melanie mentioned how they always prepare whatever food she requires, claiming how: “They make it, I take it.”
Pastor Williams wrote a hand-written note to the first responders and fire fighters, commending them for their service to their community by fulfilling their duty.
“We would like to thank you all for your heroic services,” he wrote. “You are awesome and amazing people. As you go out and put your lives out for others, we greatly appreciate all that you do. We pray a hedge of protection against each and every one of you at all times.”
“Love Doggo Treats” Treats Shelter Pets at PCSO Animal Services
by James Coulter
Three high school students with special abilities appeared at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services on Wednesday to share their homemade pet treats with shelter animals. The three students and their parents help run “Love Doggo Treats”, a local small business that prepares homemade pet treats from all-natural, organic ingredients.
They had the opportunity to visit the PCSO Animal Services in Winter Haven on Wednesday to donate their homemade treats and share them with some of the shelter animals there. Sheriff Grady Judd himself took time out of his busy schedule to meet with the three students and help them feed the animals.
Sheriff Judd commended these young people for starting their own business and succeeding with it, especially with their special needs. These young people are learning the value of hard work and giving back to their local community, he said.
“They are doing an awesome job,” Sheriff Judd said. “Their parents work with them, and they are teaching them a business, and I cannot think of something more awesome than teaching them about capitalism and working hard. When you work hard, you make money, and good things happen when you work together and make things happen. So it is pretty awesome.”
Emry Dykes and Robert Norris, who have Down syndrome, and Mia Linamen, who has Autism, are high school classmates. They started Love Doggo Treats as a way for them to work on a project together and share their love of animals.
The three students, under the supervision of their parents, prepare and bake their own homemade pet treats from all-natural ingredients. They then sell their products at local events, farmer’s markets, and even door-to-door through on-line sales.
Love Doggo Treats, as previously reported by Daily Ridge, has grown so popular and successful over the past four months that demand has surpassed what they can produce in their home kitchen. As such, they are seeking local sponsors to help facilitate the cost of their operations.
Brandy Dykes, the mother of Emry, and one of the three CEOs, appreciates how her daughter and his classmates have learned to work together to run a business. She was especially proud that they were able to meet Sheriff Judd and donate their treats to their facility.
They owe their success thus far two good friends and their faith in Jesus Christ. They plan on adding more young people with special abilities in their ranks to help them further their endeavors. Until then, they will continue the good work, Dykes said.
“We wanted to come and share some treats with some of the dogs here at animal control ready to be adopted,” she said. “They are three teenagers with special abilities who love dogs and have the art of baking treats. And they go out into the community and sell and serve.”
For more information about Love Doggo Treats, visit their website at: https://www.facebook.com/Love-Doggo-Treats-113170244187713/
City of Winter Haven
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, in partnership with the City, is conducting a study of the Cypress Gardens corridor from US 17 to Cypress Gardens Road. Its purpose is to focus on safety for all (pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists) along with walkability and strategic investment. You are invited to any one of three meetings at the Winter Haven Garden Center at 715 3rd Street NW anytime between 5 -7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8; 3 -5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9; and 3:30 – 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 10. These “open house” meetings will feature displays and discussions with project representatives.
© 2021 WinterHavenDaily.com | All rights reserved.
