Elderly Lake Wales Man Struck By Semi & Killed On S.R. 60 Early Monday Morning

Lake Wales

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May 15, 2017

Elderly Lake Wales Man Struck By Semi & Killed On S.R. 60 Early Monday Morning

The PCSO Traffic Unit is investigating a traffic fatality in Lake Wales.

Lake Wales, Florida – Around 2:00 a.m. on Monday, May 15, 2017, PCSO deputies responded to SR 60, approximately 400 yards east of Old Bartow Road, where a pedestrian was fatally struck by a semi tractor pulling a trailer. The truck is a 2015 Freightliner pulling a box trailer, owned by Schneider National Carriers out of Gary, Indiana.

The driver of the semi, 27-year-old Dwayne Thomas of Orlando, was heading westbound on SR 60 when he was unable to avoid striking 70-year-old Franklin Guthrie Waters of 2949 Old Bartow Rd in Lake Wales; Waters was in the middle of the westbound lane.

Witnesses saw Waters walking along the east shoulder of the road prior to the crash. It is unknown why he was in the middle of the road – whether he was attempting to cross, or simply walking. There is reduced illumination in the area and the speed limit is 55 MPH.

Waters was deceased on-scene. The investigation is ongoing. Neither excessive speed, distraction, or impairment on the part of Thomas are suspected.

The westbound lanes of SR 60 were closed for approximately one hour, and the eastbound lanes were converted to a single lane in both directions for approximately three hours, during the investigation. The roadways are open at this time.

Bicyclist Medically Evacuated By Helicopter After Being Struck On Cypress Gardens Blvd

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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May 12, 2017

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Bicyclist Medically Evacuated By Helicopter After Being Struck On Cypress Gardens Blvd

Winter Haven, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigated a traffic crash in Winter Haven today, involving a car and a bicycle. Preliminary information so far is as follows:

Around 11:45 a.m. on Friday, May 12, 2017, 21-year-old James Riley of Jamestown Drive in Winter Haven was just leaving the McDonald’s located on Cypress Gardens Blvd near Lake Ruby Drive, where he was with his parents, who walked there. James rode his bike, and was riding his bike back home. While his parents walked east on the shoulder, James rode his bike east in the bicycle lane. The bicycle lane is located on the roadway immediately adjacent to the two eastbound lanes, with a right-turn-only lane on the other side of it.

Approximately 100 feet east of the intersection of CGB and Lake Ruby Drive, a 2017 red Ford F-150 truck heading eastbound on CGB and being driven by 60-year-old Anthony Rasch of Kendall Drive in Winter Haven, began to change lanes from eastbound to the right-turn-only lane, and was crossing over the bicycle lane, where he struck Riley on the bicycle. Rasch tried to brake to avoid striking the bicyclist but was unable to avoid him.

Riley was airlifted to LRHMC with serious injuries.

CGB eastbound was reduced to one lane for approximately four hours during the investigation. The investigation is ongoing

Fatal Crash Shutting Down S.R. 60

Bartow

Staff Reporter

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May 12, 2017

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Bartow, Florida – Around 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 12, 2017, a 2014 Maroon Chevrolet Tahoe, was heading eastbound on Hwy 60 when a 2010 Nissan Altima was crossing Hwy 60 towards the paved median, from 80 foot road, and to turn westbound onto Hwy 60 when the Altima was struck by the Tahoe. It appears at this time the Nissan Altima was violating the Tahoe’s right-of-way.
There were 4 people in the Nissan Altima:
Driver: 55-year-old Lessee Tucker, of Bartow, is in stable condition.
Front passenger: 75-year-old Betty Vickers, of Bartow, was flown to LRH and is in critical condition.
Rear passenger: 19-year-old Shelby Tucker, of Bartow, was airlifted and succumbed to her injuries in route to the hospital.
Rear passenger: 54-year-old Patricia Tucker, of Bartow, was declared deceased at the scene.
Lessee Tucker is the husband of Patricia Tucker, and are parents of Shelby Tucker.

“Fatal crashes are always tragic, and this one is no exception. Today, a man lost his wife and daughter in this terrible tragedy. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. ”

Hwy 60 westbound and eastbound are now open in both directions; it was blocked off for approximately 3.5 hours.

Extra Security At Haines City High School After Someone Wrote A Gun Was Being Brought To School

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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May 12, 2017

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Haines City, Florida – On 05/11/17, a message written on the wall was located at Haines City High School. The message was located on the wall in the handicap stall of the girl’s bathroom. The written message inferred a gun was going to be brought to school on today’s date, at 11:00 A.M. The safety of the students is paramount; therefore, law enforcement provided extra security at the school campus. There were no reported incidents of concern. The Haines City Police Department is offering a cash reward up to $500.00 dollars for information leading to the suspect(s) identity.

The Haines City Police Department is asking that anyone with information regarding this event please contact Detective Chris Colon at 863-421-3636 Ext 2239, or the Haines City Police Department at 863-421-3636 ext.2268 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477), in which you can remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward with information leading to the suspect(s) identity.

Lakeland Man Found Dead in Abandoned Skyview Golf Course

Staff Reporter

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May 11, 2017

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Lakeland Man Found Dead in Abandoned Skyview Golf Course

Polk County Sheriff’s Office is Investigating.

Around 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2017, Sheriff Judd provided the following preliminary information:

Around 5:38 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, 29-year-old Preston Burnett’s body was found by a passer-by in the abandoned Skyview Golf Course in Lakeland. He was violently murdered and left there. An autopsy is being conducted today.

On Tuesday, May 9, 2017, an Auburndale Police Department corporal saw Burnett in downtown Auburndale and drove Burnett to his ex-girlfriend’s house around 2:30 a.m. His ex-girlfriend told PCSO detectives that Burnett immediately left her home, stating “They might find me.” It is unclear at this point in time who he was referring to. Burnett also told his ex-girlfriend he was in a fight with two unknown African-American males in downtown Auburndale.

“We know that someone knows what happened to Preston Burnett. There is a $5,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects responsible for his brutal murder. Please call Heartland Crime Stoppers and help us solve this crime.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

Crime stoppers are offering a $5,000 cash reward to anyone who has information about this crime or who may have been in the Skyview Golf Course area during the day Wednesday and may have seen anyone, or may have seen something unusual or suspicious, and who wants to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward is asked to call 1-800-226-TIPS or log ontowww.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED! iPhone and Droid users can download a free tip submit app to anonymously report crime. To install these free apps, please visitwww.tipsoft.com.

Roosevelt Academy’s Annual Spring Garden Party

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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May 11, 2017

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Roosevelt Academy’s Annual Spring Garden Party

Please join Roosevelt Academy on Thursday, May 11^th , from 9:00am-2:00 pm, on our campus, for a day full of fun, food and shopping while supporting the many school based enterprises run by the students! Some of the selections for you to choose from include: homemade confections and treats, custom outdoor furniture, picnic tables, grape tomatoes, peppers, beans, herbs, hanging baskets and flowering annuals. Many food options will be available for your culinary tasting, including refreshing drinks, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, hamburgers, hotdogs, gator tail, French fries, boiled peanuts, nachos and deserts. The staff and students look forward to seeing you. The school is located at 115 E St. in Lake Wales.

Public Notice

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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May 11, 2017

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Notice is hereby given that the Southwest Florida Water Management District has received Environmental Resource permit application number 20004345.015 from Dole Berry Co. 3510 State Road 546 East Haines City, Fl 33844. Application received: April 10, 2017. Proposed activity: commercial. Project name: Mixon Family Farms. Project size: 5 Location: Section(s) 12 Township 28 East, Range 27 South, in Polk County. Outstanding Florida Water: no. Aquatic preserve: no. The application is available for public inspection Monday through Friday at 7601 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, Florida 33637 or through the “Application & Permit Search Tools” function on the District’s website at www.watermatters.org/permits/. 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 Bureau, 7601 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, Florida 33637 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 Bureau at (813)985-7481 or 1(800)836-0797, TDD only 1(800)231-6103.

First Rabies case confirmed in Polk County

Staff Reporter

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May 10, 2017

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First Rabies case confirmed in Polk County

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section confirmed yesterday, Tuesday, May 9, 2017, the first positive Rabies case in Polk County for 2017.

On Saturday, May 6, 2017, a resident of Carla Circle in Lakeland, found his dogs nipping at a bat in the yard. The bat had also been in the mouths of the dogs.

The owner contacted the PCSO Animal Control Section and the bat was impounded and sent to the state lab for rabies testing. The bat was confirmed positive for rabies yesterday, Tuesday, May 9th.

The owner was notified of the test results.

Both dogs are current on their vaccines and have been placed on home quarantine for 10 days.

“This is an important reminder to make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccines.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

Residents are reminded that bats and raccoons are among the mammals considered to be high risk species or “rabies vector species” (RVS). Please do not approach any animal that is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner. If you think you or your pet has had an “exposure,” please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.577.1762.

For more information on Rabies, please visit:

http://www.polksheriff.org/InsidePCSO/LE/SOD/BOSO/AC/Pages/RabiesandYou.aspx.

Polk County Commissioners Approve 145,276.00 to Build New Jail Booking Facility

Staff Reporter

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May 10, 2017

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Polk County Commissioners Approve 145,276.00 to Build New Jail Booking Facility

Sheriff Grady Judd’s new booking facility received unanimous approval of Phase One by County Commissioners last week to begin construction.

County manager Jim Freeman presented an Architectural Engineering Services Agreement with Clemmons Rutherford & Associates for initial professional services and fees for phase one of the project to commissioners.

The Phase one scope of services fee of 145,276.00 will include a space needs analysis and site analysis that would research transportation impacts, inmate release movements and will include a master plan that will look at 3 conceptual approaches to potentially constructing a facility at the Winter Lake road site near the Animal Control facility and the current Winter Haven Sheriff’s Office location.

The source of funding for phase one is law enforcement impact fees including funds that have been allotted by the board and the sheriff through unspent appropriations to create a budget for the project.

Construction is expected to begin in a year and a new facility could open in as little as two years if there are no unexpected problems.

The current booking facility on Broadway Avenue in Bartow is 55 years old and has previously undergone three different renovations, most recently about 25 years ago. It houses inmates before they are released or booked into the Central County or South County Jails.

The current facility has space issues in terms of design and size based on the current demand which is estimated to process about 50,000 inmates’ arrests and releases each year.

The Bartow jail would be closed permanently if the new facility is built.

LWMC’S WOUND HEALING CENTER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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May 8, 2017

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LWMC’S WOUND HEALING CENTER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

Lake Wales, FL – Lake Wales Medical Center physicians, leaders and clinicians gathered recently to celebrate the hospital’s Wound Healing Center receiving both the Center of Distinction Award and the Center of Excellence Award from Healogics.

“This is our fourth year winning the Center of Excellence Award, and our fifth year winning the Center of Distinction award, and we are very proud of that accomplishment,” said Tiffany Rodriguez, RN, Program Director at the Wound Healing Center.

The Center of Distinction award recognizes outstanding clinical outcomes for twelve consecutive months, including patient satisfaction higher than 92 percent, and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 91 percent within 30 median days to heal.

The Robert A. Warriner III, M.D., Center of Excellence award recognizes the Wound Healing Center meeting benchmarks including patient satisfaction rates higher than 92 percent and a healing rate of at least 91 percent in less than 30 median days, among other quality standards for a minimum of two consecutive years. The award is named for Dr. Robert A. Warriner III, a pioneer in wound care and the former Chief Medical Officer for Healogics.

“We are proud to be able to offer such a vital service to the people of our community, and to be able to offer it with such a high level of excellence,” said hospital CEO Rebecca Brewer. “Our staff and physicians take great care of their patients, who often tell us that they feel like family when they go to the Wound Healing Center. We’re happy to be able to make such a positive impact on their lives. ”

The Lake Wales Wound Healing Center offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Advanced treatments include negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered skin substitutes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, biological and biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies. The center is a member of the Healogics network of nearly 800 Centers.

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Photo Info: Lake Wales Medical Center staff and physicians celebrated recently the hospital’s Wound Healing Center, which received two prestigious awards, the Center of Distinction and the Center of Excellence awards from Healogics. Both awards are given to outstanding wound treatment centers for meeting and exceeding benchmarks in healing rates and patient satisfaction. Pictured are, Front row, from left: Amanda Williams RN; Katina Green, RN; Alicia Lyons; Crystal Browning RN; Lindsay Kula CMA; Alicia Walker, RN; and Tiffany Rodriguez, RN, Director of the Wound Center. Back row, from left: Dr. James Nelson (Medical Director); Dr. Fred Howard; Monte Holm, certified hyperbaric technician; and Dr. Benigno Feliciano.

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