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Freddy’s Steakburgers Opens Outside Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
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Freddy’s Steakburgers Opens Outside Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales

by James Coulter

Sometimes when you go out to eat, you want to enjoy some fine dining. Other times, you simply want to settle for some fast food like a nice juicy cheeseburger, savory hot dog, or creamy frozen custard. If those food items sound tantalizing to you, then Lake Wales’ newest fast-food joint will be right up your alley.

Located outside of Eagle Ridge Mall along Highway 27, Freddy’s Steakburgers celebrated its grand opening this weekend. With nearly 500 eatery locations nationwide, this popular fast-food chain set up its newest shop in Lake Wales.

Freddy’s Steakburgers is famous for its frozen custard and, true to its name, steakburgers, which are prepared Freddy’s Way. What way is Freddy’s Way? According to their website: “each patty is pressed thin to create deliciously crispy edges and finished with Freddy’s Famous Steakburger and Fry Seasoning.”

Its founder, Freddy Simon, served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for valor. As their website states: “Freddy’s family values and patriotic service to his country is the foundation of Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers®, and these values have inspired us to do everything The Freddy’s Way.”

Freddy’s Steakburgers in Lake Wales celebrated a VIP soft opening on Wednesday, where menu items were served free to select guests including several city commissioners. Even Mayor Jack Hilligoss dropped by for a visit and a meal, and he had great things to say about the service.

“80 new jobs have been created as a direct result of our partnership with Retail Strategies and the good work of our Economic Development Council and Chamber of Commerce,” Mayor Jack Hilligoss said, according to a post on the City of Lake Wales Facebook page.

According to that same post, city staff had worked closely with consulting firm Retail Strategies “to attract restaurant and retail establishments to the area” as “part of the City’s long-range economic development plan.”

The fast food joint officially opened to the public with its grand opening on Thursday. Even with the place barely open for a day, it received praise and great comments from residents.

“I love custard and sometimes I would love to be able to go somewhere that has hotdogs,” one reviewer on Facebook wrote. “I’m glad to see Freddy’s opening up!”

“Many of us locals hope for a Texas Roadhouse type place, however, the burger/fries today at Freddie’s was pretty dang good,” another Facebook reviewer wrote.

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My boss Carl Fish and I attended the VIP soft opening on Wednesday. I ordered the Jalapeno Pepper Jack Steakburger. (Because the food I usually order can be classified as either “spicy” or “not spicy enough”!)

I was not disappointed. The steakburger was nice and juicy, almost like a smash burger, with both the meat and bun being perfectly melted in your mouth. The best comparison I can make is the Brake Burgers with Brake Sauce at Brake’s Burger Garage.

I also had a side of chili cheese fries. (Because, in the words of Homer Simpson, only cheese has more cheese!) My only real nitpick was that it came with diced onions. If I had known that, I would have told them to leave them off. Otherwise, the fries were great, especially with the signature Fry Sauce. (And luckily for me, it also came with Jalapeno Fry Sauce!)

Finally, for dessert, I ordered a frozen custard Dirt and Worms Sundae, vanilla custard with gummy worms and crushed Oreo cookies. Personally, I don’t know the difference between run-of-the-mill ice cream with frozen yogurt or custard. It’s all frozen dessert to me. Either way, the frozen custard was soft and creamy.

I certainly recommend this new eatery. If you’re looking for a place that combines the best of Steak n’ Shake with Culver’s, this new fast food joint should be up your alley.

***

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is located at 23525 US Hwy 27, Lake Wales, FL 33859, outside of Eagle Ridge Mall. For more info, visit their website at: freddys.com

Lakeland Man Charged With Murder Of His Girlfriend’s 23 Month Old Child

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Man Charged With Murder Of His Girlfriend’s 23 Month Old Child

LAKELAND, FL (March 18, 2024) – On the afternoon of Friday, March 15, 2024, an arrest warrant was obtained for Bobby Curry Jr., charging him with First Degree Murder and Aggravated Child Abuse in the death of a 23-month-old child, stemming from an incident that took place on March 5, 2024. 

On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 5:25 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Kansas Avenue for a report of an unresponsive child. Officers arrived to find 23-month-old Ezekiel Cotto-Saintfleur at the residence without a pulse. Officers performed CPR on Ezekiel until Lakeland Fire Department arrived to provide medical assistance. The adult present with Ezekiel at that time was Bobby Curry Jr. (age 20), boyfriend of Ezekiel’s mother. Ezekiel was transported first to Lakeland Regional Health, then to Tampa General Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, Ezekiel succumbed to his injuries and was declared deceased at Tampa General Hospital on March 8, 2024, at 5:03 p.m. 

Detectives who responded to assume the investigation learned from Curry that an accident occurred sometime between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.  Curry said he gave Ezekiel a bath and while getting him out of the bath, the family’s puppy leaped onto Ezekiel causing Ezekiel to first hit the back of his head on the bathtub and then the floor mat. Curry said Ezekiel tensed up after the fall, but he was still breathing.  Curry stated that he placed the victim in his bed so he could rest.  He said at that time Ezekiel was slightly breathing. But Curry did not call 911.

Curry said he put Ezekiel on his bed to rest and when he returned around 3:13 p.m., Ezekiel was not breathing. Curry put Ezekiel back on the bathroom floor, gave him chest compressions and some air. Ezekiel then began taking breaths as if he was gasping. Curry still did not call 911. Curry messaged Ezekiel’s mother during that time, letting her know Ezekiel has severe physical difficulties. 

Between 4:53 p.m. and 5:24 p.m. Curry and Ezekiel’s mother messaged each other further. Curry conveyed grim details to her about Ezekiel’s grave condition. At 5:24 p.m.Ezekiel’s mother told Curry to call 911 and that was when he finally did.  

Detectives conferred with physicians at Lakeland Regional Health who advised Ezekiel was without oxygen for at least 45 minutes. The findings of physicians in the Child Protection Team at Tampa General Hospital indicated the injuries to Ezekiel were consistent with physical abuse. On March 11th, 2024, the Medical Examiner performed an autopsy and determined the cause of Ezekiel’s death was not consistent with Curry’s account of injuries sustained by an accidental fall but was blunt force trauma and manner of death was Homicide.

As mentioned previously, an arrest warrant was obtained for Curry, charging him with First Degree Murder and Aggravated Child Abuse. Curry was apprehended on the warrant, Friday, March 15th, 2024, at 7:07 p.m. 

Polk County Fire Rescue On Scene Of Crash Involving Vehicle Vs Power Pole On Berkley Road

Carl Fish
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Polk County Fire Rescue On Scene Of Crash Involving Vehicle Vs Power Pole On Berkley Road

Auburndale, Florida – The Polk County Fire Rescue is currently on scene of a single vehicle accident on Berkley Rd in Auburndale. The nearest cross street is Meadow Lane. This is an extremely bad crash with injuries. It appears it is a crash involving a white pickup truck Vs wooden power pole which is broken in half.

The call came in around 10:45pm and multiple units were dispatched. It also appears it is a single occupant in the vehicle.

It appears that this crash will block a portion of Berkley Rd. for several hours. We will update as more information is released.

Deputies Working Bad Motorcycle Crash Which Is Blocking Hwy 98 In Frostproof

Carl Fish
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Deputies Working Bad Motorcycle Crash Which Is Blocking Hwy 98 In Frostproof

Late Sunday afternoon (5:41pm) deputies were dispatched to a crash on Hwy 98 near Stokes Rd in Frostproof. According to Brian Bruchey, public information officer for Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the crash involved a pickup truck vs motorcycle.

 The motorcyclist was transported by helicopter medical evacuation. Emergency responders set up a landing zone at the South County Jail.

This is a developing story! More information to come as it is available.

Polk Woman Charged With Domestic Violence Does Contract Work With Juvenile Justice Department

Carl Fish
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Polk Woman Charged With Domestic Violence Does Contract Work With Juvenile Justice Department

A Davenport woman employed by the Bayskids organization (that contracts with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice) was arrested by deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Friday morning, March 15, 2024, following a domestic violence incident. 

41-year old Ieshia Saunders was taken to the Sheriff’s Processing Center and charged with Simple Battery (M1). Ms. Saunders serves as a Lead Community Supervision Specialist for Bayskids.

Deputies arrested Ms. Saunders after responding to her residence for a family disturbance, and determined she had battered an adult family member.

“It’s troubling when someone in her position, who works with children, is accused of battery on her own family member. Professionals who work with children have a responsibility to maintain a high standard of behavior.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff.

Lakeland Police Searching For Suspects In Double Shooting Homicide That Involved A 3 Yr Old Boy

Carl Fish
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Lakeland Police Searching For Suspects In Double Shooting Homicide That Involved A 3 Yr Old Boy

LAKELAND, FL (March 14, 2024) – Over the last few days Lakeland Police Department detectives have been able to determine there were three persons in the suspect vehicle (Dodge Challenger). Kevarius Green (age 30) of Lakeland was identified as the suspect firing a rifle during the incident and responsible for the deaths of Jaquez Norton and Kemarius Wilson. Also identified in connection with this incident was Demarius Wilson (age 22), who is the brother of deceased suspect Kemarius Wilson. Demarius Wilson was identified as being in the Challenger before and after the homicide, and the person responsible for attempting to hide the Challenger.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Kevarius Green for two counts of First Degree Murder, Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, and Attempted 1st Degree Murder.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Demarius Wilson for Tampering With Evidence.

We are seeking the public’s help in locating these two individuals. They are considered armed and dangerous and have ties to the Lakeland, Plant City and Orlando areas. If anyone knows there whereabouts, please contact the appropriate law enforcement agency for that jurisdiction or the Lakeland Police Department at 863-834-6900.

Persons who wish to remain anonymous can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers:

 * Call 1-888-400 TIPS (8477)

 * From a cell phone, dial **TIPS

 * Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”

 * Or download the free “P3tips” app on a smartphone or tablet.

Tipsters will always remain anonymous when they send a tip through Crime Stoppers, and they are eligible for a cash reward of $5,000 if their information leads to an arrest.

Small Plane Has Crashed Near Lake Buffum In Southern Polk County

Carl Fish
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Small Plane Has Crashed Near Lake Buffum In Southern Polk County

According to initial information a small plane with two passengers has crashed down near Lake Buffum in Southern Polk County. The crash is in a strawberry field and the plane reportedly is on fire. The nearest intersection is with Murphy Rd.

Both occupants are believed to have survived the crash, but emergency personnel are just arriving.

The call came in at approximately 2:43pm. Units from the Polk County Fire Rescue and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are arriving on scene now.

We currently have a reporter headed to the scene.

Polk County Fire Rescue Extinguishes Flames From Crashed Plane In Southern Polk County

Gunman Kills Himself & His Son In Shooting At Advent Health Hospital In Highlands County

Carl Fish
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Gunman Kills Himself & His Son In Shooting At Advent Health Hospital In Highlands County

Highlands County Sheriff Press Release

Shooting incident at AdventHealth Sebring

SEBRING — At approximately 11:26 a.m this morning (March 14), Highlands County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to AdventHealth Sebring in reference to an active shooter situation.

From the preliminary investigation, it appears a 66-year-old Sebring man brought his adult son to the hospital. Reportedly, the father was having difficulties with his son, who was being somewhat combative.

The son was placed in a mental health room in the emergency room. While inside the room, the father pulled a handgun and fired shots into a wall in an apparent attempt to get other people out of the room. He then shot his son, who was lying on a bed, and then shot himself. Both men died on the scene. There were no other injuries.

The hospital was placed on lockdown and is currently diverting EMS traffic to nearby facility.

The investigation is ongoing.

“Freddy’s “ New Restaurant Opens Today In Lake Wales 

Staff Reporter
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“Freddy’s “ New Restaurant Opens Today In Lake Wales 

LAKE WALES, Fla. – Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers®, a fast-casual restaurant concept, opens Thursday, March 14, at 23525 Hwy 27 by Eagle Ridge Mall. Freddy’s is known for its cooked-to-order steakburgers made with lean 100 percent ground beef, all-beef hot dogs, crispy shoestring fries and frozen custard treats made with freshly churned chocolate or vanilla frozen custard.

“Freddy’s is committed to providing high quality food and genuine hospitality in a clean and relaxing environment,” said Barbara White, franchise owner. “Our location makes us an easily accessible dining option for guests traveling along the highway, as well as guests looking for a place to eat after visiting Legoland or Bok Tower Gardens.”

The 2,751 square-foot, freestanding restaurant seats 76 guests, has additional seating on the patio and offers drive-thru service. Mobile ordering through the Freddy’s app and website is also available. Hours of operation are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

“We have two popular specialty orders we regularly recommend to first-time guests: the Freddy’s Original Double and the Signature Turtle Sundae,” said White. “There are several condiment and topping options for our food and freshly churned frozen custard, so we encourage you to customize your orders to your liking. We also offer a variety of limited-time menu items throughout each year.” 

Polk Accused Child Sex Predator Taken Into Custody In Pinellas County

Carl Fish
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Polk Accused Child Sex Predator Taken Into Custody In Pinellas County

PCSO Press Release

61-year-old John Adams, DOB 12/18/1962, of Dunedin, FL. Adams sent a social media message in response to an ad posted online by an undercover detective. He communicated with an adult who had access to a child, and expressed his desire to pay to perform sex acts on the child. He said he was a gentleman and respectful and that he wanted to “enjoy this experience with her.” 

Detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest and on March 13, 2024, PCSO received a tip that a man matching his description was working at a residence being built in the area of Bayshore and 140th Streets in Madeira Beach. With the help of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, he was taken into custody and booked into the Pinellas County Jail on the Polk County Warrant. 

Adams is charged with:

·        Use of computer to solicit guardian (F3)

·        Use of two-way communication device to commit a felony (F3)

He will be transferred to the Polk County Jail.

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