Lakeland Police Investigate the First Homicide of The Year
LAKELAND, FL (May 5 2017) – On May 4, 2017 at approximately 9:10 p.m., Jesse Banks, Jr., engaged in a verbal argument with Tommy Lee Engram in the area of 418 W. 7th Street. During the course of the argument, Banks was armed with a folding knife. Without warning, Banks thrust the blade of the knife into the throat of the victim creating a puncture that rendered the victim critically injured. Engram fell to the ground and aide was rendered by concerned citizens.
The Lakeland Police Department responded and upon arrival, officers observed a subject matching the description of Banks given to 911 operators and Banks was detained by officers. A folding knife was located on the ground near Engram.
Detectives later learned that Banks and Engram had been friends for approximately 30 years and were engaged in a verbal argument at the time. Banks had called Engram a series of insulting slurs and names. When Engram attempted to reprimand Banks for the insulting slurs, Banks stabbed him. Banks was interviewed by detectives and admitted to the stabbing. Detective are seeking for any additional witnesses to the incident and they can call Detective Nick Pollice at 863-834-8958.
Banks was charged with 2nd degree Murder and transported to the Polk County Jail and he has a prior criminal history of 13 felony and 8 misdemeanor arrest.
Arrested: Jesse Banks, Jr., 66 years old, 303 West Bella Vista Street, Lakeland, Florida.
The victim is identified as Tommy L. Engram, 63 years old, 122 West 6th Street, Lakeland, Florida.
The Bartow Police Department Warns Drivers of Upcoming Road Closures in the Downtown Area
The Bartow Police Department warns drivers of upcoming road closures in the downtown area.
Tuesday night, May 9th at 5 p.m. crews will begin shutting down Central Ave. from Main Street to Davidson Ave., and Davidson Ave. from Central Ave. to Broadway Ave, and Broadway Ave. from Church Street to Main Street. Main Street will be open to the public during these closures. This block will remain closed until 5 p.m. on Wednesday May 10th. The road closure is due to the Florida Grown BBQ hosted by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. Access to the courthouse via Church Street as well as Boulevard Street and Polk Street will be open. Parking areas in and around Ft. Blount Park will be open as usual. There will be no vehicular traffic in the closed areas allowed including parking. On street parking, the parking garage and both City parking lots will be available for parking for the event.
On Wednesday May 10th between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Main Street and Broadway Ave. south of Main Street will be closed for the annual Just Say No Parade. These roadways will be opened immediately following the parade.
Motorists are encouraged to plan for alternate routes. The City will have detour signage up to guide vehicular traffic during these times.
A Map of the closures are attached for your convenience.
Traffic Alert: Fatal Accident on SR 60 E Past River Ranch
We have reports of a fatal accident on SR 60 E and Mae Bass Rd. All Eastbound Lanes closed from CR-630 to US-441. Westbound closed from Mae Bass Rd.
Please avoid the area if possible long delays are expected.
Drive Safe we will bring you more information as it becomes available.
2017 Gulf recreational red snapper state season opens weekends starting May 6
2017 Gulf recreational red snapper state season opens weekends starting May 6
The 78-day 2017 recreational red snapper season in Gulf of Mexico state waters opens Saturdays and Sundays in May starting May 6. On May 27, the season will open daily through July 9. The season will also reopen for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September and October, and on Labor Day.
This season will maintain fishing opportunities for recreational anglers in state waters and provide spring, summer and fall fishing options.
The Gulf federal season was recently announced by NOAA Fisheries and will be June 1-3 for private recreational anglers and June 1 through July 19 for federally-permitted charter boats and head boats.
If you plan to fish for red snapper in Gulf state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up as a Gulf Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal is required). To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Gulf Reef Fish Survey” under “Reef Fish.” Sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Learn more about red snapper at MyFWC.com/Fishing by clicking on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Snappers.”
Sun N’ Fun 2017 CAP Cadet’s Volunteer
Sun N’ Fun 2017 CAP Cadet’s Volunteer
Civil Air Patrol cadets and senior members from all across Florida came out to volunteer at the largest aviation shows in Polk County, Sun N’ Fun 2017. The Winter Haven squadron and the Lake Wales flight FL-274 were also there to help make this event a success. CAP cadets put their team working skills and their leadership skills to the test by working the flight line and keeping spectators safe crossing the tarmac.
C/A1C Eric Garrison
Cadets also got the chance to work the recruiting booth for CAP. They displayed their knowledge and history of the Civil Air Patrol program and how it has helped them personally. Cadets showed their courage and leadership skill by talking with spectators about CAP and the opportunities they have had.
C/Amn Jessica Smith
Sun N’ Fun was not all work and no play for our cadets. Cadets and Senior Members were also given the opportunity to interact with cadets in other CAP squadrons and attend a meet and greet with the British Royal Air Cadets. Both cadets and senior members were able to enjoy pizza and socialize while making new friends.
British Royal Air Cadet SM Connie Frier, FL 274 Commander Maj. Pat Pitman, and British Royal Air Cadet SM Mark West
We’d like to thank Sun N’ Fun for giving CAP this opportunity to show what our outstanding cadets are learning within the Civil Air Patrol program. Also a huge thank you to all of our Cadet and Senior Member volunteers. You should all be proud of yourselves; I know CAP is very proud of you.
Lakeland Born & Former Mulberry Youth Justin Forsett Retires From The NFL After 9 Years
Justin Forsett is calling it a career. The veteran running back announced his retirement on Wednesday after nine seasons in the NFL. According to an article on NFL.Com Forsett said “It’s Time”. He announced his retirement on a website called “Sports Spectrum”.
Forsett was born in Lakeland, Florida. He moved to Arlington, Texas in his sophomore year of high school after living in Mulberry. He played college football at California and was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Forsett also played for the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, and Denver Broncos.
“It’s time. I’m officially announcing my retirement from the game I love. It’s been an amazing ride and I’m grateful for every moment. My career has brought so many great people into my life, and I asked some of them to join me in saying goodbye.
Against all odds, critics, and naysayers, I accomplished something great. Scouts measured my height and said I was too short. They measured my 40-yard dash and said I was too slow. They looked at my build and said I wouldn’t last. But they couldn’t measure my heart, my faith, and my perseverance.
I am living proof that dreams come true and God answers prayers, and I thank God everyday for the opportunity to live out my dream.”
“It wasn’t until 2014 at age 29 that Forsett proved them all wrong. A 1,266-yard, eight-touchdown campaign served as a bright spot for the 10-6 Ravens. It was a career apex that Forsett can happily take into retirement, which he officially announced on Wednesday.” – NFL.Com (Complete Article Here)
Justin credits all his success to his relationship with God.
A special 2014 season for Justin
Cadets from Civil Air Patrol FL-274 Receive Awards for Acheivements
LtCol Dan Edgar (active duty Air Force and Commander of the Avon Park Bombing Range) C/LtCol Andrew Pitman, LtCol/CAP Roy Hall, LtCol/CAP Phil Zedonek
C/LtCol Andrew Pitman with the Civil Air Patrol FL-274 received the General Ira C. Eaker Award at the American Legion Post 8. The General Ira C. Eaker Award is one of Civil Air Patrol’s most prized honors, for it marks the successful completion of all 16 achievements in the CAP Cadet Program. It is presented to cadets who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, character, fitness and aerospace education. Eaker Award achievers are looked upon favorably by U.S. service academies, in particular the U.S. Air Force Academy. About 10 percent of the cadets at the Air Force Academy are former CAP members. Presenting C/LtCol Pitman with the award was LtCol. Edgar, active duty Air Force Commander of the Avon Park Bombing Range as well has Lt.Col Hall and LtCol Zedonek with the Civil Air Patrol.
Along with this honor, C/LtCol Pitman was also awarded a scholarship of $500 from the American Legion Post 8 to help pay for his training at the NCSA Engineering Academy this summer in Middle, Tennessee, as well as traveling funds from the Bartow Pilot’s Association. C/LtCol Pitman has been with the Civil Air Patrol for 6 years and has been an all around outstanding cadet that has shown great leadership skills, amazing character and has excelled with aerospace education.
Tom Carlin (Dad) C/Maj. Thomas Carlin and Connie Carlin (mom)
C/Maj Thomas Carlin is dually enrolled with the Civil Air Patrol FL-274 and Post 888 BSAVenturing and Sea Scouts. He was awarded the Eagle Scout, the highest achievement attainable in the Boy Scouting program. C/Maj Carlin also had to do a project for his Eagle Scout. His project was a beautiful Chapel Restoration at the American Legion Post 8.
C/TSgt Brown also earned his promotion to C/MSgt and C/SSgt Hamilton earned the promotion of C/TSgt. Both Brown and Hamilton earned their promotions by completing test in leadership and aerospace, physical fitness and drill. Congratulations to all of these outstanding cadets.
If you are interested in more information about Civil Air Patrol or how to join you can visit our website www.gocivilairpatrol.com or contact the Polk County Composite Squadron Commander Maj. Pat Pitman at (863) 528 – 3748. Also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PolkCountyCAP.
Burn Ban Still in Effect for Polk County
Today is another Red Flag Day. What does that mean??
When the National Weather Service along with the Department of Forestry (DOF) issues this alert it states:
“CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW OR WILL SHORLTY. A COMBINATION OF STRONG WINDS, LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND WARM TEMPERATURES CAN CONTRIBUTE TO EXTREME FIRE BEHAVIOR”.
This burn ban includes Polk County.
There is also a multi-county burn ban in effect
Due to the complete lack of rain the dangers of fire spread are extremely high.
Use extreme caution with discarding tobacco products along with any other heat source including tractor/mower/vehicle mufflers near dry brush.
Please be careful.
Annual Polk County Peace Officers’ Memorial Set for May 4th
Annual Polk County Peace Officers’ Memorial Set for May 4th
In observance of 2017 National Police Week, the Fraternal Order of Police Polk County Lodge #46 and the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Inc., will present the 30th Annual Polk County Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Thursday, May 4, 2017, at 10:00 AM at the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial in the Lakeland Veterans Memorial Park. The park is located on Lime Street, between Lake Beulah Drive and the west side of the Lakeland Center.
This year’s memorial service will include the addition of a fallen hero. Mulberry Constable Myrle A. Whidden will be added to the memorial after historical research determined that he was shot and killed in the line of duty on April 11, 1936.
A total of 32 other Law Enforcement and Corrections officers who made the “supreme sacrifice and died in the line of duty” while serving the citizens of Polk County with various State, County and Local law enforcement and corrections agencies will also be honored during the Memorial Service “Roll Call of Heroes.”
Family members of fallen officers, representatives from various Polk County Law Enforcement and Corrections agencies, public service organizations, and Federal, State, County and Local government agencies will be participating.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd will be the keynote speaker at this year’s memorial service.
Highlights of the service will include: Joint Agency Officer Processional March; Presentation of Colors by a Joint Agency Color Guard; Roll Call of Heroes; helicopter Fly Over; Retreat of the Fallen Rider by the PCSO Mounted Unit; bagpipe players; 3 Gun Volley; and Taps. The Harrison Singers from the Harrison School for Visual and Performing Arts will perform an ensemble of patriotic and spiritual songs.
Immediately following the memorial service, the 30th Annual Memorial Service Luncheon, hosted by the FOP Polk County Lodge #46 and the Polk County Law Enforcement Memorial Fund Inc., will take place at the FOP Polk County Lodge #46, located at 125 West Brannen Rd, Lakeland (east from South Florida Ave @ Sonny’s). The public is invited to attend the memorial service and luncheon.
For more information, please call Bill LePere, Assistant Chief (Retired) and PCLEMF, Inc., Chairman, at 863-834-8911.
