Polk County Jail inmates to receive Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations
Through a partnership between the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County, and Corizon Health, the health care provider in Polk County’s jails, county inmates will be offered the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine starting this weekend.
“COVID-19 vaccinations are now readily available to the general public in Polk County. We believe now is the appropriate time to offer inmates the vaccine. We are thankful for the partnership we have with the Florida Department of Health and Corizon Health to make this happen.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff
Vaccines will be available at the Central County Jail in Bartow and the South County Jail in unincorporated Frostroof. Beginning Thursday and Friday, any Polk County Sheriff’s Office members working in the facilities who have not yet had the vaccine, and who want to receive one, will have the opportunity to be vaccinated prior to the general vaccination of inmates. Then, over the weekend and going forward, any inmate who wants a vaccine will be able to receive them, based on available supply. Second vaccines will also be available for those inmates still in jail. For those who will be released, they would contact the Department of Health to schedule their second vaccine.
At approximately 7:54 pm, deputies received an assist FHP call to the area of Highway 60 near Walk-in-Water Road. It was a BOLO for a white Dodge Challenger westbound on Highway 60. At approximately 7:55 p.m., a PCSO deputy located a white Dodge Challenger that was travelling west on Highway 60 near Buckmoore Road in Lake Wales.
Deputies began following the vehicle and attempted to stop the white Challenger at Highway 60 and High Street. The Challenger began to pull over but then accelerated west on Highway 60. We then pursued the vehicle with lights and sirens. The Challenger was able to rapidly accelerate to where the pursuing units were unable to see it within one minute of the initial traffic stop. As units continued west on Highway 60, they observed the vehicle had been involved in a traffic crash at the Highway 60 off ramp to Highway 27.
We made contact with the driver, 52 year old Darrell Kelley of Stone Mountain, Georgia. There were two passengers, a 33 year old woman from Clarksville, Tennessee and a 24 year old woman from Jackson, Mississippi. The 33 year old woman said she was sore but was not injured—as a precaution she was transported to Lake Wales Medical Center and was treated and released. The 24 year old woman was transported to Lakeland Regional Health for treatment for injuries and admitted. Kelley was transported to Lake Wales Medical Center but refused treatment. Kelley was charged with Aggravated Fleeing to Elude and Reckless Driving w/ Serious Bodily Injury and booked into the Polk County Jail.
The driver and passengers of the secondary vehicle involved with the traffic crash all said that they were not injured but as a precaution were taken to Lake Wales Medical Center where they were treated and released. The pursuit lasted just over one minute and there were no deputies or law enforcement officers injured.
Investigation determined that a sister of the 24 year old called FHP and told them that she had been communicating with her sister, and she said she was supposed to be returning to Mississippi, but the people who she was with were taking her somewhere else, kept changing routes, and that Kelley was making her nervous.
The 33 year old told deputies on scene that she was friends with the 24 year old but did not know Kelley. She further stated that Kelley and the 24 year old were supposed to be taking her back to Mississippi from Miami but they kept stopping places and making her uncomfortable so she began asking them to let her out of the car but they refused.
The investigation is ongoing to determine the relationship and nature of what was going on between the three, and whether or not Kelley will be facing additional charges.
One person killed, three injured in two-vehicle crash Tuesday, near Lake Wales
A two-vehicle crash near Lake Wales Tuesday afternoon, April 20, 2021, resulted in one man being killed, and three others suffering injuries.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Polk Fire Rescue responded to the crash on US 27, in front of the Camp Inn neighborhood, at about 5:49 PM.
Upon the arrival of first responders, 73-year-old Robert Jackson of Yorkville, Illinois, was extricated from his black 2020 Jeep Cherokee, and transported by air to Lakeland Regional Health where he died from his injuries.
The other vehicle involved in the crash, a blue 2003 Toyota Camry, was driven by 21-year-old Jannisha Moffatt of Sebring. She and her 2-year-old daughter were flown to St. Joseph Hospital in St. Petersburg, while Moffatt’s 2-year-old son was transported by ground to Lakeland Regional Health. Injuries to the three are not believed to be life-threatening.
According to the preliminary investigation, Ms. Moffatt’s Camry was travelling south on US 27 on the inside lane and approaching the area of the Camp Inn neighborhood. At that time, Mr. Jackson exited from Camp Inn, and entered onto the road way of US 27, and into the path of Ms. Moffatt’s Camry, which had the right-of-way. The front of the Camry struck the driver’s door of Mr. Jackson’s Cherokee.
The Florida Department of Transportation assisted with traffic control; the southbound lanes of US 27 were closed for approximately four hours for the investigation, which remains ongoing.
Early Learning Coalition Will Cover Child Care Expenses ForWorking Families
by James Coulter
Child care costs are so expensive these days that many parents are forced to choose between finding a job and looking after their children. In fact, child care in Florida is even more expensive than in-state college tuition, according to recent statistics.
Fortunately, the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County is willing to help, as it’s currently assisting over 5,000 families in Polk County with child care expenses. The Coalition is willing to pay up to $200 a week to help working parents balance their child care needs with their job.
The Early Learning Coalition assists with child care cost for working families, providing resources to educate families onchoosing quality child care, and working with providers to offer quality care.
Their eligibility requirements are based on employment and/oreducation. Recently, the Office of Early Learning has waived the requirement for schooling and education, allowing unemployed parents to receive assistance with child care for up to 90 days provided they are actively job searching.
Diane Bowman, Vice President of Family Services stated, “We are working with our families to educate them on how to choose quality childcare so they can go to work with the peace of mind knowing their children are in a safe environment.”
Bowman has been involved with the School Readiness program for the past 24 years. She appreciates her job, and she enjoys being able to assist parents so that they can make informed decision on their child care needs.
Currently, parents can receive assistance for child care services based upon their child’s age and the child care setting. For example, if a parent decides to utilize a family child care home provider, the provider could potentially be reimbursed up to $42 a day, which is $210 a week, Bowman explained.
Furthermore, parents are assessed a co-payment based on their household income and family size. For example, a family of four at an income of $30,000 annually, would have a co-payment of $3.20 a day for the first child and $1.60 for the second child. The total would be $24.00 a week out of pocket for both children, with the coalition covering the remaining costs.
The School Readiness program requires that all children birth to 5 years of age receive a developmental screening. Children 4 years old on or before Sept. 1 of the current school year are eligible to be enrolled in the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program, allowing them to receive pre-school education regardless of their income.
“We are trying to get word out there,” Bowman said. The biggest challenge is getting families to learn about the Early Learning Coalition and the different programs that the Coalition offers. More than 5,000 families in Polk County are already being assisted, but many more remain unaware of these services that could assist their family while education their children. The Coalition maintains an expedient enrollment process. Any parent who applies on Monday could have their children enrolled in aprogram within a week.
To learn more about the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County and their services, visit their website at: www.elcpolk.org
Mayfaire by-the-Lake Tradition Continues for 2021 Mother’s Day Weekend
Lakeland, FL (April 15, 2021) – The Polk Museum of Art’s Mayfaire by-the-Lake will return to the shores of Lake Morton on May 8 and 9, 2021, from 9 am to 4 pm daily. Mayfaire by-the-Lake, a Polk Museum of Art fine art festival, started as a small craft show on the Lakeland Library lawn in 1971 and has grown to be one of the most prestigious juried outdoor festivals in Florida. Held each year on Mother’s Day weekend, Mayfaire is a free two-day fair that was ranked 36th by Sunshine Artist Magazine in 2019.
During Mayfaire weekend, the Museum, staff, and volunteers will be taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of visitors and art enthusiasts as they enjoy the festival. Visitors can expect hand sanitizing and washing stations to be available, and all visitors, artists, and staff will be strongly recommended to wear masks within the boundaries of Mayfaire, including around Lake Morton, and required to wear masks when visiting the Museum. In addition, artists’ tents will each be placed six feet apart, spreading farther around the perimeter of Lake Morton to encourage social distancing. Additional signage with social distancing recommendations, mask mandates, and visitor safety precautions will be displayed throughout the festival to highlight and reinforce these guidelines. In addition, the Polk County Health Department will have a presence at the festival, promoting safe and healthy practices and COVID prevention awareness.
“As annual a tradition as Mother’s Day itself, Mayfaire by-the-Lake is a beloved event like no other in our region,” said Dr. Alex Rich, executive director and chief curator of the Polk Museum of Art. “We were so disappointed that the pandemic necessitated our skipping the festival in 2020, so, for 2021, it felt ever more important that we return better than ever. With COVID policies and guidelines in place, we want Mayfaire 2021 to be a true celebration, offering much-needed respite in art for our whole community and shoring up everyone’s spirits with a weekend of family-friendly fun.”
This year, more than 150 artists will be showcasing their work across 13 different media, from ceramics, painting, and woodwork to photography, sculpture, glass, and more. Art can be purchased in-person and online through the festival’s Eventeny virtual event site, which can be accessed throughMayfairebytheLake.org.
“Despite the pandemic, we had so many great artists from across the country apply for Mayfaire 2021, making it very competitive to be invited to exhibit,” states Leslie Norman, Mayfairecoordinator. “We are excited to see returning artists and welcome a number of new artists as well!”
While admiring artists’ work, festival visitors can also stop by the Library lawn to take in live musical performances and dine at specialty food trucks, which will provide a wide range of delectable options for everyone to enjoy. In addition, Mayfaire will offer free art activities for children of all abilities, and the Polk Museum of Art will be open to all guests to tour the Museum’s newest and largest-ever exhibition, “Toulouse-Lautrec and the Belle Époque.” Capacity will be monitored throughout the galleries; to guarantee admission, make your reservation online at PolkMuseumofArt.org/SignUp.
For the health and safety of all festival visitors and the community, Mayfaire Saturday Night has been canceled for 2021; the Museum is excited to bring the evening celebration back to the Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror Park in 2022. Still scheduled, however, the Lakeland Runners club will be celebrating 42 years of the Mayfaire 5k Road Rack and Walk through the Lake Morton historic district. Following COVID safety protocols, runners will be placed in corrals based on the bib numbers to allow for social distancing. For more information and registration, visit LakelandRunnersClub.org.
Mayfaire by-the-Lake is a free community event that benefits the Polk Museum of Art’s education and exhibition programming, including its ability to offer year-round free admission to the Museum, student scholarships and programs, and exhibitions for visitors of all ages and interests. Mayfaire by-the-Lake will take place on Lake Morton’s shores in downtown Lakeland on May 8 and 9, 2021, from 9 am to 4 pm. For more information, visit MayfairebytheLake.org or contact Taylor Holycross at 863.688.7743 ex. 249 or [email protected].
About the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College
The Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College is a not-for-profit, teaching museum that seeks to enhance lives through inspirational and engaging art experiences for all. It is the largest and only nationally accredited visual arts organization in Polk County and the only Smithsonian Affiliate art museum in Central Florida. The Museum’s COVID hours are Tuesdays–Saturdays 10 am to 3 pm and closed Sunday, Monday, and major holidays. The facility is handicapped accessible and special needs assistance is available. Admission is free, thanks to our strategic partner, The Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Foundation.
G.W. Souther Wins Battle Of The Bands At Balmoral Resort
by James Coulter
Many bands claim to be for the music. G.W. Souther certainly felt that way during their winning performance at the Battle of the Bands, presented by Feltrim Sports at Florida Balmoral Resort.
The Orlando-based band was one of ten local bands that performed at the outdoor music festival. The band had performed at various musical events throughout Central Florida, from the Florida Strawberry Festival to The Great Outdoors Jam and even Lollapalooza.
The band considers itself a “modern-day representation” of classic bands such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Earth Wind and Fire. Their melting pot approach towards their music has allowed them to attain musical acclaim, according to their website.
“Yes, they play and sing their instruments the entire show,” their website states. “That means multiple leaders, sweet harmonies, and an instrumental blend that’s guaranteed to keep you engaged and wanting more.”
The band won first place at the Battle of the Bands. They were selected by a panel of three judges from the music industry. The band received a check for $1,250.
While most musicians would be ecstatic to win such a grand cash prize, G.W. Souther appreciated the opportunity to perform at the event, explained band member John Weaver.
“This is what we do,” Weaver said. “We just love music. That is all there is. The event was also awesome. We wish we could do this every month. Not even for the money prize. I feel it is good for the community.”
As for their success, they owe their big win to God, their hard work, and their community, which they plan to invest and donate their prize money towards. Receiving first place overall gave them a much-needed morale boost, especially since they are currently going through significant changes, Weaver explained.
“This competition win will give us a boost in our confidence and decision making,” he said. “We like the money prize, too.”
Third place went to No Strings Attached, an acoustic band from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. Second place went to Cold Subject, an Orlando-based band.
Anthony Martinez, Lead Vocalist, considered the venue to be new territory. It was the first time the band had played at Balmoral Resort. Playing at such a new venue, especially an outdoor event, was an exciting experience for them.
“The stage is beautiful. The set up was awesome. It was a great feeling,” he said. “We just love being able to perform here. It is great playing outside.”
As someone who plays smaller shows, playing a larger event in an outdoor festival setting was a great relief following a yearlong pandemic. Martinez and his crew loved the opportunity to perform, and would love to play there sometime again.
“It is passion for the craft,” he said. “All of us can have our own energy and bring it all together to make a statement on stage.”
The Battle of the Bands was the first outdoor musical event to be hosted at the Feltrim Sports Village in Balmoral Resort in Haines City. From the start at 12:30 p.m. to their end around 9 p.m., the event averaged a turnout of 300 to 400 people on the hour, said Garrett Kenny, Owner of Balmoral Resort and Feltrim Sports.
Ten bands performed throughout the day. Each band was eligible to win either judge’s choice or people’s choice. Nearly 1,300 votes were cast for the many bands within one hour alone, Garrett said.
“As the organizer, I got a lot of satisfaction. The bands were very good,” he said. “What did amaze me and surprised me is that each band thanked us for setting up the event and bringing live music back to an outdoor event.”
The overall success was partly due to the weather. While windy weather may have initially deterred potential visitors, Garrett said the overall turnout managed to taper down near the end.
Overall, the main key to its success proved to be the word-of-mouth spread by the bands. Many of the musicians let their followers know about their performance that afternoon. The news was especially big, what with the event being the first time many of the bands had performed since the COVID-19 crisis started.
“The bands got the word out there that they were playing live music again,” he said. “This was our first event. We were testing the water. We are pretty impressed by the results of today.”
Balmoral Resort plans on hosting other outdoor events at their sports village. They plan on hosting music events based on different genres and potentially even a festival for the local Hispanic population.
For more information about future events, visit their website at: https://www.feltrimsports.com/
Skip scanning and then threatening the associate – not cool.
The guy pictured below skip scanned a bunch of items at Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) on March 25.
When approached, he got verbally aggressive with the associate and threatened to harm them with a weapon (though no weapon was seen).
He likes Nike! He had a black t-shirt, Nike cross-body bag, gray Nike shirts, black leggings, black socks and, you guessed it, Nike slides!
He has multiple tattoos covering his arms. He was seen getting into a white sedan.
Recognize him? Call Det. AJ at 863-292-7921.
Haines City man fatally struck by tractor trailer on Highway 27
On Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 3:08am, Lake Wales Police responded to the report of a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on Highway 27 south of Thompson Nursery Rd. The victim, identified as 34 year old Arturo Hernandez of Haines City, was found deceased at the scene after being struck by a 2004 Kenworth driven by Collis Moore of Lake Placid. Mr. Moore stated he was traveling north on Highway 27 approaching Thompson Nursey Rd. He stated he looked briefly down to return a drink to a cup holder and when he looked back up the victim was standing in the middle of his lane of travel.
Moore was not injured. Northbound traffic on Highway 27 was blocked for several hours. The investigation is ongoing and no charges are expected. If you have information please contact Lake Wales Police Department, Traffic Homicide Investigator, Sean Robertson at (863)678-4223 Ext 548.
LAKELAND, FL (April 18, 2021) – On Saturday, April 17, 2021, at approximately 10:35 p.m., a Chevrolet Malibu was traveling southbound on US 98 North in the outside lane of travel, approaching the traffic light at the Interstate 4 overpass. The driver, 23-year-old Oppheus Williams, had begun slowing down for the red light. As he approached the intersection, the traffic light turned green, and Williams then began to accelerate. At the same time, a pedestrian attempting to cross the roadway crossed in front of Williams’ vehicle and was struck. Williams stopped and remained at the scene. This area of US 98 North does not have a marked crosswalk for pedestrian traffic.
Emergency medical professionals from the Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived on the scene to begin life-saving measures. The pedestrian, later identified as 48-year-old Blanca Amaya, was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where she was pronounced deceased by medical staff.
Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The roadway was shut down for approximately 3 1/2 hours while the scene was processed for any follow-up investigation. At this time, the investigation is ongoing.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigates Winter Haven Police Department officer involved shooting
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an officer involved shooting involving a Winter Haven Police Department Sergeant that occurred in the Orchid Springs area near Winter Haven Saturday night, April 17th, at approximately 10:10 p.m.
According to information and evidence gathered at the scene, and interviews with witnesses and officers by PCSO detectives, Winter Haven police officers responded to a domestic disturbance call where a gun had been fired by 52-year-old Larry Jenkins of 841 Orchid Springs Dr., Winter Haven. When officers arrived at an apartment complex on Orchid Springs drive, contact was attempted at the front door of a first floor end unit apartment, but no response was received. Sgt. Joshua Dentel of the Winter Haven Police Department then responded to the rear of the residence, at which time he made contact with Jenkins, who was standing inside the screened-in porch, smoking a cigarette with his left hand, while keeping his right hand concealed in his pocket. Sgt. Dentel gave Jenkins verbal commands to show him his hands, which Jenkins ignored. Jenkins stated “I have a gun in my pocket.” Two other WHPD officers who were at the front of the residence heard Sgt. Dentel’s verbal commands, at which time they moved to the side of the building to assist Sgt. Dentel.
Jenkins then exited the screened-in porch and stopped just outside the door, while still concealing his right hand in his pocket. Additional verbal commands were given to Jenkins, which he ignored. Jenkins then made several statements, to include “I’m going to die tonight” and “You’re going to have to shoot me.” Additional WHPD officers began to arrive. Sgt. Dentel instructed one of the other officers to transition to a less-lethal weapon, at which time Officer Doyle transitioned to his Taser. After Jenkins continued to refuse to remove his right hand from his pocket, Officer Doyle fired his Taser at Jenkins, which appeared to have no effect on him. Officer Doyle then observed Jenkins begin to bring his right hand out of his pocket, which revealed the butt of a black gun. Officer Doyle immediately identified Jenkins to have a gun in his hand, at which time he deployed his Taser a second time, which appeared to have a small effect, causing him to slightly flinch.
As Officer Doyle deployed his Taser the second time, Sgt. Dentel observed Jenkins bring his right hand out of his pocket, at which time Sgt. Dentel observed the slide of a black handgun. As Jenkins pulled the handgun out of his pocket, Sgt. Dentel fired his rifle at Jenkins, striking him several times. After being shot, Jenkins fell to the ground and dropped a black handgun (Taurus 9mm handgun). WHPD officers began administering life saving measures and summoned EMS to the scene. Jenkins was subsequently transported to Winter Haven Hospital, where he was declared deceased on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 11:28 p.m.
Six members of WHPD were on scene at the time of the officer-involved shooting; Sgt. Dentel, Officer Doyle, a Lieutenant, and 4 other officers. Two of the officers arrived on scene just seconds before the two Taser shots and gunshots.
According to witnesses and the person(s) who reported the domestic violence shooting, Jenkins had been drinking all day. According to family, Jenkins has a history of alcohol abuse. The person who called 911 said that she was called to the apartment to pick up a 14 year old relative who said that she (the 14-year-old) was being sexually harassed by Jenkins and that Jenkins was behaving inappropriately towards her. The girl told her relative that Jenkins was making sexual advances towards her, including sexually charged conversation, an offer to receive and give oral sex with the 14-year-old girl, and that Jenkins exposed his penis to the girl. The relative came with her husband to the Orchid Springs address, where a confrontation started. Jenkins pulled out a semi-automatic pistol, racked it, displayed it, offered the gun to the husband for him to shoot Jenkins, aimed it at his own head, said that “I’m fixin’ to get ready to die,” and then fired the handgun.
The victims, the two adults who came to pick up the 14 year old and the 14 year old, fled the apartment out of fear of Jenkins, and called the Sheriff’s Office. During the call, they said that Jenkins had a loaded hand gun and fired it. They also said that Jenkins said that “he was fixin’ to die.” They reported that he was drunk or that he was “on something.”
The officer-involved shooting investigation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing. The Winter Haven Police Department will be conducting an internal, administrative investigation. The Medical Examiner’s office will be conducting an autopsy examination. The State Attorney’s Office responded to the scene Saturday night, and they will conduct a separate review and investigation of the shooting / use of force. Per Winter Haven Police Department protocol, the Sergeant involved will be on administrative leave with pay during the initial phase of the investigation.
