Two men were killed in a single-vehicle crash Tuesday night, May 18, 2021, on State Road 60 near Lake Wales. The crash occurred at around 7:44 PM.
Killed in the crash were 27-year-old Billy Burgess of Bartow and 35-year-old Thomas Snipes III of Winter Haven. Both men had been ejected from the vehicle, and were found deceased upon the arrival of first responders.
Burgess was the driver of the black 2003 Chevrolet pick-up truck, and Snipes was a passenger.
In addition to deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, members of Polk County Fire Rescue and the Florida Department of Transportation responded, with the latter maintaining traffic control at the scene which was approximately 1,000-feet east of Lake Wales Road.
According to evidence and witness statements, the preliminary investigation shows that Burgess’ truck was travelling westbound on SR 60 in the inside lane. As he approached a curve in the roadway, Burgess lost control of the vehicle and it drove through the median and rotated. The truck then entered the eastbound lanes and the truck flipped several times.
Both men were ejected from the truck which caused their fatal injuries. Neither was wearing a seat belt.
The pick-up truck struck a utility pole on the south side of the road, and the pole broke off at its base.
Westbound SR 60 was closed for approximately two hours, and eastbound SR 60 was closed for about four hours.
Bartow,
Fla. (May 19, 2021) —County
Road 640 between Bonnie Mine Road and County Road 555 has reopened following a
brush fire that occurred Tuesday afternoon.
The
fire, which occurred south of Bartow, began about 4 p.m. Tuesday. Drivers are
still advised to use caution due to the potential for smoke and fog in the
area.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a single vehicle crash that that occurred on Highway 60 near West Lake Wales Road, West of Lake Wales & US 27 at around 7:45 p.m.
Initial reports indicate that a pick-up truck lost control in the east bound lanes and rolled over. There are two adult fatalities.
There are no other injuries and no other vehicles involved. Details and identities of those involved will be released Wednesday morning.
Lakeland, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Lakeland woman charging her with scheme to defraud and grand theft of over $50,000.
On April 28, 2021 Polk County Deputies arrested Rebecca Nicole Bentz, 40, of Lakeland. Bentz was an employee of Polk County Division Fiscal Coordinator.
According to a complaint affidavit, filed by the State attorney’s office, Brian Haas, Bentz was responsible for collecting funds that were collected by the different departments in Parks and Natural Resources Departments and depositing these funds with county cashier along with other job duties. According to the affidavit Bentz allegedly defrauded the county out of $50,894.50. This allegedly occurred between January 01, 2016 and October 31, 2018.
The affidavit alleges that Bentz had 61 receipts missing from the Saddle Creek Park Gun Range during the above listed dates. The money would be collected by the gun range staff and brought to Bentz. Then Bentz would count the money out and sign a fee collection report verifying she received the funds. An audit then would be taken and any missing receipts would prompt a memo to Bentz. According the State Attorney’s Office Bentz allegedly gave excuses for some missing receipts that were inaccurate or deceptive. According to the affidavit cash deposits similar to the missing amounts would show up in one of three accounts held by Bentz at Mid Florida Bank.
Bentz has plead “not guilty” and has posted bond of $20,000 and has a hearing date set for 09/08/2021.
It does not appear that Bentz has any previous criminal history in Polk County.
On 5-14-21, the man pictured went to the Sunoco store located at the corner of Ave. O SW and Recker Hwy. He attempted to purchase a pack of cigarettes, but he couldn’t produce identification to verify his age. The clerk wouldn’t sell him the cigarettes so pitching a temper tantrum, he decided to get in his red/maroon four-door vehicle and commenced to drive in circles in the parking lot. He drove out of he parking lot and a short time later, he is seen in video throwing rocks at the victim’s vehicle. The vehicle sustained damage on the hood. If you know who he is, please contact Sgt. Hall at 863-291-5736.
Michael Shane Denn II, 29, of Lakeland was arrested
early this morning in Mulberry after he shot and killed a man Monday night the
17th during an altercation involving a towed vehicle. Please see the following
details in the redacted affidavit:
DENN,MICHAEL SHANE II; DOB 10/10/1991; Age 29; Height
605; Weight 300; Lakeland
Arrest Date 05/18/2021; Arrest Time 02:33:00; Booking # 2116373;
Charge: SECOND DEGREE MURDER
Arrest Location: 1330 Virginia St.,
MULBERRY
PRB_CAUS:
“On Monday, May 17, 2021 at approximately 1815 hours, Polk
County Sheriff’s Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to 1330
Virginia St., Mulberry FL, in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, the
victim/decedent REDACTED, was located lying in the front yard of the
business, Strapped Transport Towing and Recovery, with an apparent gunshot
wound to the head. A second victim, REDACTED, was located lying in the
front yard of the same business, with apparent injuries from being [struck] by
a vehicle. Both victims were transported to Lakeland Regional Health by Polk
County Fire Rescue. Medical staff at Lakeland Regional Health declared REDACTED
[GUNSHOT VICTIM] (decedent) deceased at 1859 hours. The second victim,
REDACTED, is currently being treated at Lakeland Regional Health and is in
stable condition.
Investigation revealed the decedent responded to Strapped
Transport Towing and Recovery to obtain his vehicle that had been impounded the
previous day. While completing the process of retrieving his vehicle, the
decedent was advised by staff that he would have to stand by for the tow truck
to arrive back at the business to pull his vehicle out of the impound lot. When
the owner of the business/suspect, Michael Shane Denn, arrived at the business
with the tow truck, he requested the victim wait for his impounded vehicle off
of the business property. A verbal dispute then began between the suspect’s REDACTED,
REDACTED (victim two), and the decedent. The decedent removed his
vehicle [that was driven to the business] from the business property by backing
his vehicle into the roadway. Once the decedent was in the roadway, REDACTED
approached the decedent’s driver window and began punching the decedent in the
face while the decedent was sitting in the driver seat. When the decedent would
attempt to exit his vehicle, REDACTED would shut the driver door
preventing the decedent from exiting his vehicle and continue punching him. The
decedent was able to put his vehicle in gear and drive down the roadway to get
away from REDACTED. Once down the road, the decedent turned his vehicle
around and accelerated his vehicle towards REDACTED and the suspect who
were still standing in the roadway. The decedent struck REDACTED with
the right front bumper of his vehicle which caused REDACTED to go
airborne and land in the front yard of the business. The decedent then exited
his vehicle which was still in the roadway and attempted to run towards the
trunk of the vehicle and away from the suspect. As the decedent exited his
vehicle and ran away from the suspect, the suspect fired three rounds at the
decedent. The third round struck the decedent on the right side of his head,
slightly just behind and above the right ear. No exit wound was observed. The
decedent immediately fell to the ground.
The location of the casings recovered at the crime scene, the
strike mark from a projectile on a residence located behind the decedent’s
vehicle, the gunshot entry wound to the right side of the decedent’s head, and
the positioning of the decedent’s body suggest the decedent exited his vehicle
and was running away from the suspect, not towards the suspect, when the
suspect fired his firearm at the decedent. The evidence at the scene suggests
the suspect was tracking the decedent and shooting at the decedent as the
decedent was attempting to flee the roadway and seek cover from the suspect.
The suspect stated at no time during the incident did he witness
the decedent with any weapons. The suspect was unable to advise where the
decedent’s hands were when the decedent exited his vehicle and the suspect did
not hear the decedent make any threats or statements when he exited his
vehicle.
Based on the interview’s and investigation, [it was] determined
the suspect committed the criminal offense of 2nd degree murder, when the
suspect intentionally discharged a firearm at the victim as the victim ran
away, striking the victim in the head, which resulted in the victim deaths.
After a yearlong hiatus due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Touch A Truck made its grand return to Downtown Auburndale. More than a dozen vehicles of all shapes and sizes from the city’s police, fire, street, and sanitation departments were showcased in Central Park on Saturday.
On display this year was the fire department’s new ladder truck. The shiny new red vehicle had a 107-foot ladder, the biggest apparatus in the department, explained Scott Finley, Fire Marshal.
Aside from allowing children and families to take pictures with the vehicle, the participating fire staff took the opportunity to explain local public safety concerns including car heat death. They instructed attendees to not leave their children and pets inside the car during hot weather.
“We had a lot of good interaction with the kids and parents,” said Marshal Finley. “[We appreciate] the interaction with the parents, in terms of getting the message our for hot car related safety. Getting their feedback has been the most fun. It has been the most personal to them.”
The annual outdoor event has been a staple in Downtown Auburndale for nearly seven years. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, last year’s event was canceled.
This year’s event was hosted as scheduled with extra precautions and measures taken to ensure public safety and health during these uncertain times. Hand-sanitizing stations and masks were available, and physical distancing was encouraged.
Bond Clinic also hosted temperature screenings at two booths on either end of the event. Ashely Conrad Scanlan, Marketing Director for Bond Clinic, mentioned how many attendees willfully participated with the temperature screenings, and not a single person had a high temperature.
“The turnout has been wonderful,” she said. “We couldn’t ask for better day for weather. So that has been a beautiful thing. But I think it is seeing so many smiling faces and being able to connect with the community, Bond Clinic thrives on events like this, and seeing people face to face, answering questions, that is what we love to do.”
Cody McGhee, Director of Parks and Recreation, was pleasantly surprised by the turnout that day. He owed the steady turnout to the great weather and to many people wanting to come out after a yearlong absence of local events.
Touch A Truck was a small test to see how many people would attend a local outdoor event. He hopes for future events to be hosted and to experience satisfactory turnouts.
“I think we are coming out of the desire of not wanting to be at events, and people want to come out and do events, especially outdoors events where people still feel a little safe and secure,” McGhee said. “This was our kick off [event], and we wanted to continue to go back to our
normal routine with some modification. [We are] paying attention to the size of things, and paying attention to how people are expected to come, and still doing things safe and smart.”
For the past eight years, Bracken Smith has been preparing and selling his famous barbecue pork egg rolls at Smoke on the Water and other local barbecue events. Now Smith can sell his egg rolls and other barbecue items from his new eatery in Auburndale.
The Brack Shack officially opened its doors to the public with a grand opening on Saturday. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Auburndale Chamber of Commerce, with music entertainment provided by Melvin DjMelvinr Rios and Max 98.3.
The new eatery will serve as a permanent venue for Smith’s award-winning barbecue catering company, Kick Yo Butt Catering. His barbecue will be served at the location with indoor seating on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
The menu will include Smith’s famous gourmet egg rolls, including barbecue pork, jalapeño, and breakfast. His second most popular best-selling item is the chopped brisket and cheddar melt sandwich.
The secret to the success of his barbecue has come through trial and error through attending and winning local barbecue events. Moreover, it has been with the wood used to smoke their meats, specifically fruit and pecan wood, which helps provide a distinct flavor.
Smith has been serving his award-winning at various barbecue events across the county, including Smoke on the Water in Winter Haven. He has even catered to many fundraising events and even donated his food to special causes.
Now, after eight long years, Smith has finally achieved his dream of opening his brick-and-mortar eatery, where he and his team will serve lunch. He hopes to soon obtain his beer and wine license, which will allow him to remain open for dinner hours.
“We’ve really been working hard for the last eight years, and it feels good to see it come into fruition,” he said. “It all started with Smoke on the Water ten years ago. It has grown to a successful catering business, and now we have our own brick-and-mortar store where we can sell them. It all started with that egg roll ten years ago.”
Bracken owes the opening of his new venue to the many people who supported him over the years, including the City of Auburndale. It was only through such consistent support that he was finally able to open his brick-and-mortar eatery, and he has high expectations for the future moving forward.
“I cannot thank the support that we have gotten from day one to now and still get supported,” he said. “If we did not have the support from everyone who loves our food, it is all a huge thanks to them. It is why we are here where we are at.”
Mayor Tim Pospichal commended the eatery for being the latest business to open in the city. The Brack Shack joins the ranks of other big businesses and companies in town, including the Coca-Cola manufacturing plant, the SunTrax autonomous vehicle testing facility and site, the Amazon fulfillment center, and the Cabana Club RV Resort.
Mayor Pospichal especially loved how the eatery would allow them to enjoy Smith’s famous barbecue, especially his gourmet egg rolls, year-round without having them wait for specific barbecue events throughout the year.
“On behalf of the city commission and its citizens, I would like to congratulate you and welcome you to the Auburndale family of businesses,” he said. “You are in great company, and we are so glad we are here.”
Especially significant was how the new eatery was opened in the former location of the local VFW. As a token, Sandra Hall, Auburndale Chamber Executive Director, presented Smith with a before and after photograph, showing the facility as a VFW and as an eatery. Underneath the picture is inscribed: “A legacy of heroes now transformed in a future of serving our community with the same pride and patriotism.”
“We appreciate you, we appreciate the VFW, and appreciate our city,” Hall said.
Melvin DjMelvinr Rios provided musical entertainment at the event. He and Smith have been close friends for the past 20 years. Both of them have worked at various events, with Melvin offering music and Smith providing catering.
As a lifelong friend, Melvin is proud to see his close partner finally live out his dream of opening his own eatery. He hopes not only to see it grow and expand, but also to potentially open up a second location, specifically in Winter Haven.
“I am very proud of him,” he said. “This is something we take pride in…I want him to grow. He does give back to the community like I have. He even donates food to certain events. He is like a brother to me, and I want to see him succeed.”
The Brack Shack is located at 231 E. Lake Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823. For more information, https://www.facebook.com/KickYoButtCatering.
Culpepper Cardiac Foundation Deliver Lunch to First Responders at Inagural First Responders Friday
Firefighters and other first responders received a hearty lunch delivered to them by volunteers from the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation and Freedom Tour Church on Friday.
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More than a dozen meals were delivered to the No. 1 Winter Haven Fire Department, complete with meatloaf and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, brownies, and sports drinks.
The homemade lunches were prepared by Bobby Williams, Pastor of Freedom Church, and delivered with the help of Melanie Brown Culpeper of the Cardiac Culpepper Foundation, Brandie Aderholt of Manny’s Chophouse, and John Haight, a former fire inspector.
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Melanie delivered these meals as part of her inagural initiative, First Responders Friday. On the first of every month, she and her team of volunteers plan on delivering meals to local first responders.
The Winter Haven Fire Department was their first choice, as the fire team was on sight on the day her late fiancée, Michael Culpepper, suffered cardiac arrest and passed away. She wanted to do something for the people who assisted him during his last moments.
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“It touches me more than you could ever imagine,” Melanie said. “I wanted to make sure I gave back to the first responders. That is one of the big things about the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation. That we support first responders.”
Since that fateful day, Melanie started the Cardiac Culpepper Foundation to provide assistance to local first responders. She had especially become friends with fire fighter and paramedic Eric Shimkus, who was on sight when her husband passed away.
“We had worked many events together,” she said. “I did not know it was him at first, but then when I found out it was him, I had to call him and ask him a lot of questions because I was so upset about losing Michael. He guided me through everything and the team of Winter Haven was number one with me that day.”
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Eric appreciated the meals that were delivered to his department that day. He especially appreciated everything the Cardiac Culpepper Foundation has done to help assist him and other first responders, whether through food deliveries, donations raised through local events, and defibrillators provided at various locations in the city. Of course, the free food was good, too.
“Anytime we have food delivered to us is really nice,” he said. “It is an honor when the citizens of the city do this. We come and help them in need, and they repay us with these small things, these little gestures, that show us we are appreciated in the community.”
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Since being founded nearly a year ago, The Cardiac Culpepper Foundation has hosted various fundraisers. Recently, they hosted a 5K walk that raised $5,100 for two $1,000 scholarships. One scholarship went to an EMT student, the other for a cardiac student.
The Foundation has also purchased two defibrillators that will be set up at different locations in Winter Haven. One will be set up in Melanie’s own store, Melanie’s Cutting Edge. The other will be set at Old Man Frank’s where Michael Culpepper was head security for many years.
Their next event will be the Culpepper Cardiac Foundation “Fishin For A Heart” Tournament, to be hosted on Sat. June 12 at Lake Shipp. First place will win $1,000. Check-in is at 5:30 a.m., and weigh-in is at 3p.m. at Tanners Lakeside with music and activities.
For more information, visit their website at: https://www.facebook.com/honoringculpepper
Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting incident and disturbance that occurred in Mulberry at around 6:20 p.m. One person was transported to an area hospital with a gunshot wound, another person was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries, and another person was transported for a medical condition as a precaution. The person (adult male) transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound died as a result of his injuries. According to initial reports, this is an incident involving two groups of people and detectives are aware of the primary people involved and are investigating the specifics of what occurred. The circumstances of the dispute indicate there is no danger to others in the area. We expect to release more details tomorrow after reviewing evidence at the scene and speaking with those involved and with witnesses.
