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Lake Wales Hosts New Polk County Drone Racing Club

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Lake Wales Hosts New Polk County Drone Racing Club

A new Drone Racing Club has arrived on the scene in Lake Wales and is the first chapter in Polk County of the MultiGP Drone Racing League.

Recently the Daily Ridge was invited out to Kiwanis Park in Lake Wales by Jay DosSantos and Stephen Kelly of  863-FPV Addiction to check out the new club at their Kiwanis Fun-Fly event.

This gathering was an open-fly event where drone pilots honed their skills in drone racing and tweaked their machines while having some fun socializing with other pilots, their friends and interested spectators.

The club set up a race course next to the lake and pilots from all over Florida came out to join the fun.

The racing drones are equipped with cameras while the pilots wear head-mounted displays similar to virtual reality goggles that show the live stream camera feed from the drones as they are flying them…..it’s like you’re in the pilot seat of the drone itself.

The 863-FPV Addiction Drone Club is a newly sanctioned member of the MultiGP Drone Racing League which is a world-wide organization for first-person view (FPV) radio-controlled aircraft.

According to their website, MultiGP.com, the racing league “provides community standards for their chapters to safely design their own courses and also generates individual pilot competition through their Universal Time Trial Track program which ranks pilots worldwide on standard measured courses.”

FPV (first person view) flying means that pilots only see what the drone sees. This is accomplished by live streaming footage from a camera mounted on the nose of the drone.

Over the past two years, in the US and abroad, independent leagues have sprung up to gather the best drone pilots together to stage competitive races.

In 2015, Miami Dolphins owner Steve Ross invested $1,000,000 in the newly formed Drone Racing League, which hosts a series of races that are held at makeshift courses around the United States and is considered to be the drone racing sport’s equivalent of Nascar.

Last year, ESPN3 in the United States signed a deal to air drone racing on television, which was possibly an early step for it into the motorsport mainstream.

In March 2015, a British teenager, one of the youngest pilots on the scene, won first place in the inaugural World Drone Prix held in Dubai.

15-year-old Luke Bannister, flying for the UK-based Tornado X-Blades team, out-performed 150 global teams that competed  to become the first World Drone Prix champion, claiming a $250,000 grand prize.

During the 863-FPV Addiction Drone Club’s Fun-Fly, the racing drones reached speeds of up to 60 MPH and without the head-mounted FPV (first person view) goggles worn by the pilots, they would have been impossible to control. Some racing drones are said to be able to reach 100 MPH when fitted with the right components and can do a quarter mile on a race track faster than a Porsche 911.

A recent example of this was the inaugural Qualcomm New York City ePrix Formula E Race in New York held a couple of weeks ago in which a Titan Grand Prix GFD1 Drone smoked a Formula E Race Car and was winning before crashing, apparently from loss of the signal between the drone and the controller. The crash didn’t do too much damage and the cost of repairing it was far less than what the cost would have been for the race car if it had crashed.

The cost of a racing drone is quite reasonable and a great alternative to gaming from your couch. The continual improvements in drone technology and the growing availability of parts are allowing pilots to fly for less and less money each year.

The 863-FPV Addiction Drone Club is a great place to start if you are interested in learning more about drone racing or just want to watch a unique and exciting competition that’s growing quickly in popularity.

You can check out the 863-FPV Addiction Drone Club Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/118292322104629/ for more information or to join the group or email them at [email protected]

US Marshals and PCSO Join Forces to find Hit-and-Run Suspect Darrell Coleman Jr

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US Marshals and PCSO Join Forces to find Hit-and-Run Suspect Darrell Coleman Jr

The US Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force joins PCSO in the search for hit-and-run suspect Darrell Coleman, Jr., and the Heartland Crime Stoppers reward for information leading to his arrest has been increased to $5,000.

“As Chuck Hudson’s family prepares for his funeral, Darrell Coleman remains at large. We know that someone knows where he is. All you have to do is call Heartland Crime Stoppers, get $5,000 cold hard cash, and remain anonymous. It’s that easy. Do the right thing – turn him in.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A $5,000 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 on Fatal Accident on Rim Road Near Golfview Cutoff Rd Last Night

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UPDATE on Fatal Accident on Rim Road Near Golfview Cutoff Rd Last Night
On 07/25/2017, at approximately 11:53 PM, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 911 regarding a single vehicle rollover crash on Rim Road South, off Golfview Cutoff Road, Lake Wales, FL. Polk County Fire Rescue arrived on scene and found one occupant of the vehicle, the driver 28-year-old Antonio R. Johnson of Lake Wales, deceased. The other occupant, passenger 34-year-old Andrea T. Johnson of Lake Wales, was transported to Lakeland Regional Health with minor injuries.
 
Rim Road South in the area of the crash is a clay road that travels through citrus groves. Rim Road South has no street lighting and no posted speed limit. It was dark at the time of the crash with little external illumination.
 
Investigation revealed that a 1999 white Chevrolet SUV was traveling east on Rim Road South, pulling a small utility trailer. Antonio R. Johnson was the driver and his spouse, Andrea T. Johnson, was the right front passenger. Andrea Johnson indicated that they heard/felt a noise, at which time the SUV began to swerve. Antonio Lost control of the vehicle as it travelled off the left (north) side of the road. It appears as if Antonio over-corrected, at which time the trailer began slide clockwise, pulling the rear of the SUV with it. After losing traction, the SUV and the trailer began to slide in a southeast direction across the road rotating clockwise. As the vehicle and trailer exited the south side of the roadway, the SUV dug into the soft dirt. It flipped onto the driver’s side and continued sliding southeast approximately 40 feet. When the SUV flipped on its side, Antonio was partially ejected out the driver’s side window. The SUV came to final rest on its side with Antonio partially out the window and pinned. He suffered fatal injuries as a result of his partial ejection.
 
Antonio was not seat belted, but it appears as if Andrea was. A trailer tire was found to be deflated and could have been the noise heard by Andrea Johnson.
 
Rim Road South was closed in both directions for approximately 4 hours. Andrea Johnson suffered a dislocated shoulder. She was in good condition and was being kept overnight for observation.  

My First Experience With Uber

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My First Experience With Uber

By Kip Kirchberg

Being in the Technology Industry I travel a lot. Up until recently I have never attempted to utilize any type of ride sharing system. This was simply because I typically have a driver when I travel and never had to worry about finding my own transportation. My latest trip to Charlotte, NC completely changed that and my outlook on Uber.

My travel out of Charlotte was delayed due to some last minute meetings I needed to attend. Due to this delay, I lost my ride to the airport. I was completely at a loss on what to do until a good friend of mine told me that I should just catch an Uber. He stated that Uber was cheaper and cleaner than a taxi and a service that caters to its passengers. So I figured now was as good a time as any to give the Uber system a test ride.

The first thing I had to do was download the Uber app to my phone and register. It was as simple as entering my phone number, filling out some profile data, and entering my credit card information. What’s really cool about the app is I can enter a Credit Card Account for Personal and Business. Very useful for business people especially during tax season. Oh and don’t forget to add a picture so the Uber driver can recognize their passenger.

Once everything was complete I told Uber where I wanted to go. The Uber app quickly told me how long it would take to reach my destination and what my ride fee would be. Once I completed the transaction Uber paired me with a driver who would pick me up and showed me a map with my driver’s location and estimated arrival time. It took my driver about 3 minutes to arrive. Way quicker than I ever expected. So if you decide to take an Uber be prepared for a very prompt pickup.

 

The Uber App showed me the driver’s picture, the type of car they were driving, and the color. This was very helpful so I could help flag down my Uber driver if needed. Since I was the only person standing in front of the office building it was easy to spot my Uber driver and catch my ride. I greeted my Uber driver, threw my suitcase in the trunk, hopped in the back seat, and was off to the airport.

I told my Uber driver that this was my first Uber ride and was very impressed with how easy Uber was to use. We then proceeded to carry on a small conversation about the Charlotte area before we arrived at my final destination. Once at my destination, I thanked my driver for the ride, grabbed my bag from the trunk, and headed into the airport.

I no more than stepped inside the airport lobby and I received an Uber message to rate my driver and provide any feedback. Remember Uber drivers and passengers are rated based on past user experience so feedback is very important. I gladly gave my Uber driver a 5- star rating who was willing to chat and even added a tip. All this without ever exchanging cash but simply using an app on my phone. I was very impressed with the whole experience and can tell you I’ll be using Uber again in the near future.

Have you ever used Uber or other ride Sharing services? Why or why not? We would love to hear your thoughts or hear about your experiences.

Lakeland Guitar Center Closes After Hole Opens Up In Parking Lot

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Lakeland Guitar Center Closes After Hole Opens Up In Parking Lot

Lakeland, Florida – The Lakeland Guitar Center is currently closed after hole opens up in parking lot. According to witnesses the hole opened sometime before 3:30pm this afternoon.

The Guitar Center is located at 3165 U.S. 98, Lakeland, Florida.

It is unknown if this has been labeled a sinkhole or if something else has caused the hole. This is a developing story and we will update as information becomes available.

Hit & Run Driver Darrell Coleman Jr. Still at Large

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Hit & Run Driver Darrell Coleman Jr. Still at Large

UPDATE to fatal hit-and-run investigation:

Darrell Coleman, Jr., of Lake Hamilton, is still at large.  Darrell Lavel Coleman, Jr., whose last known address is 918 North Church Street in Lake Hamilton.

He currently has 3 Polk County warrants for his arrest:

Leaving the scene of a crash involving death;
Driving with a revoked license involving death;
Trespassing (he abandoned the car in someone’s yard, and fled the scene on foot).

Photo shows the car he was driving, in the yard where he abandoned it. The car is being housed at a PCSO facility and is being processed.

We are still seeking the public’s help to find Coleman, whose nickname is “Smooth.”

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!

Haines City Police Arrest Suspect for Luring/Enticing a 7 Year Old Child

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Haines City Police Arrest Suspect for Luring/Enticing a 7 Year Old Child

Haines City Police arrest suspect for Luring/Enticing a 7 year old child


On July 23, 2017, at approximately 4pm, Haines City Police responded to a 911 call regarding an abduction at the Publix Supermarket located at 617 Highway 17/92.

The suspect was described leaving the area in a motorhome. Officers observed the vehicle headed east on 17/92 and subsequently conducted a traffic stop. Further investigation revealed an abduction did not occur; however, the driver/lone occupant of the vehicle did, in fact, attempt to lure a 7 year old child into his motorhome to see a puppy.

The child was originally approached by the suspect, Dale Collins, in front of Publix, while the victim/child was part of a fundraising effort. Collins initiated a conversation with the child about a puppy and ultimately informed the child the puppy could be seen in his camper. Adults observed the suspicious behavior of Collins and began yelling at him, at which time he fled the area in his motorhome.

Collins last known address is in New York. His criminal history reveals Driving under the Influence.

If the public is aware of any other incidents involving Collins, they are urged to contact the Haines City Police Department at 863-421-3636 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS or LOG ONTO www.P3tips.com to submit your tip via the web.

PCSO Traffic Unit Investigated a Single-Vehicle Traffic Fatality This Afternoon in Davenport

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PCSO Traffic Unit Investigated a Single-Vehicle Traffic Fatality This Afternoon in Davenport

The PCSO Traffic Unit investigated a single-vehicle traffic fatality this afternoon in Davenport.

Preliminary information so far is as follows:

Around 3:25 p.m., first responders arrived at the curves along Deen Still Road near the cross street with Old Deen Still Road, where a 2005 white Honda Civic was seen partially submerged upside down in a water-filled ditch off of the roadway.

First responders removed the driver and sole occupant of the car, but he was deceased.

Evidence at the scene indicates that the driver, 73-year-old William Morelli of Polk City, failed to properly navigate the curves, while heading west on Deen Still Road. The car left the roadway and overturned in the water.

It is unclear at this time what caused Mr. Morelli’s death – injuries from the crash, or drowning. An autopsy will be conducted tomorrow, Tuesday, July 25, 2017.

Florida Tax Free Weekend 2017 – Florida Sales Tax Holiday 2017

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Florida Tax Free Weekend 2017 – Florida Sales Tax Holiday 2017

Florida Tax Free Weekend 2017 – Florida Sales Tax Holiday 2017


Florida Tax Free Weekend announced for August 2017. The Florida Sales Tax Holiday 2017 kicks off on Friday, August 4th, 2017 and will end Sunday August 6th, 2017.

CLOTHING Up to $60 each. Florida legislators were a little more generous than years past. Garments and accessories are tax free up to $60 each. In 2013, the exemption stopped at $75 per piece.

SHOES Up to $60 per pair. Shoes are eligible for the tax exemption. As with clothing, however, only footwear costing less than $60 per pair will ring up tax-free.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Up to $15 each

Sales tax will not be charged on items such as pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, and glue. The state set a price limit of $15 per item for this category, but left off items such as staplers and computer paper.

 

BUYING BOOKS

All books, besides the Bible, are still taxable during the Florida Sales Tax Holiday 2017.

MOST STORES
But not all

Lawmakers love tourists, but they did not want to give visitors a tax break. So, sales tax will still apply to purchases made in theme parks, entertainment complexes, hotels, and airports.

INTERNET ORDERS
To your door

Sales tax should not be charged on eligible items that are ordered online — even if those items are delivered after the sales tax holiday ends. See Walmart Sales Tax Holiday for general online tax free policies.

MAXIMIZE SAVINGS DURING SALES TAX HOLIDAYS

The state has no issue with you using coupons or taking advantage of buy-one-get-one-free sales during the sales tax holiday. Use this to your advantage and make the most of this great tax free savings event.

Retailers are increasingly competitive in the back-to-school period, so be on the lookout for bargains that are unlikely to repeat themselves during the school year.

* Florida’s House and Senate had the option to give us a full week of Florida tax-free back-to-school savings. But they decided against it. Tax Free Week 2017 Florida were all rumors.

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Add the Florida Tax Free Weekend to your phone calendar and Facebook with our QR code.

 

PCSO Investigating Hit-and-Run Fatality That Occurred at 10:00 AM This Morning in Haines City

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PCSO Investigating Hit-and-Run Fatality That Occurred at 10:00 AM This Morning in Haines City

PCSO Press Release

UPDATE TO HIT-AND-RUN CRASH IN HAINES CITY – THE PCSO TRAFFIC UNIT HAS IDENTIFIED THE SUSPECT DRIVER AND ARE SEEKING THE PUBLIC’S HELP IN LOCATING HIM.

26-year-old (he will be 27 on Wednesday, his DOB is 7/26/1990) Darrell Lavel Coleman, Jr., whose last known address is 918 North Church Street in Lake Hamilton, has been positively identified as the driver who fatally struck a bicyclist, 66-year-old Charles Hudson, Jr., of Solivita in Poinciana, while Hudson was traveling on a bicycle westbound off of Kokomo Rd in Haines City this morning.

After striking Hudson, Colemen drove to Detour Road, abandoned the car, and fled on foot.

Coleman is believed to be in the Lake Hamilton area at this time.

Coleman was recently arrested by Lake Hamilton P.D. on June 30, 2017, for narcotics possession, and bonded out on July 1st. His mugshot is attached. Today he is believed to be wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans.

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Darrell Coleman, Jr., 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!

Additionally, the victim, Mr. Hudson, has been a volunteer PCSO Citizen’s Assisted Patrol (CAP) member in the Solivita community since 2014. Click here to find out more about this program:

http://www.polksheriff.org/InsidePCSO/OfficeCOS/OOC/CrimePrevention/Pages/CAP.aspx

His family is in our prayers.

 

————– Original Press Release ——————-

The Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic Unit is investigating a hit-and-run fatality that occurred at 10:00 a.m. this morning in unincorporated Haines City, and we are seeking the public’s help in locating the driver of the suspect’s vehicle.

Preliminary information so far is as follows:

The adult male victim was riding a bicycle westbound along Kokomo Road (AKA CR 546 East) in Haines City when he was fatally struck by a car that was also heading westbound and appeared to be weaving.

The car fled and the driver abandoned the car off of nearby Detour Road.

Deputies have located the suspect car and are actively searching for the driver who fled on foot. We do not have a driver description.

Helicopter and canine units are assisting in the search.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office has asked that everyone please avoid the area and if anyone has information about this incident, or saw something suspicious in the area around 10 AM, or sees anything suspicious at this time, please call PCSO at 863-298-6200.

We will bring you more information as it becomes available.

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