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Cooking On The Ridge: Carrot Cake Oatmeal

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Cooking On The Ridge: Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Ingredients

Directions

  • Prep 15 m

  • Cook 40 m

  • Ready In 55 m

  1. Bring water to a boil in a heavy, large saucepan, and stir in the oats. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook oats until they begin to thicken, about 10 minutes; mix in the apple, carrot, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Let the oats simmer until tender, about 20 more minutes.
  2. While the oats are simmering, melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, and stir in the pecans. Toast the nuts until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 5 minutes, then sprinkle with brown sugar and stir until sugar has melted and coated the pecans.
  3. Serve in bowls, each topped with about 2 tablespoons of the pecan mixture and a dollop of yogurt.

Open House For the New Walker Road Park March 28

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Open House For the New Walker Road Park March 28

Open House For The New Walker Road Park March 28

Polk County Parks & Recreation will be hosting an open house at the new Walker Road Park on Tuesday March 28, 2017 at 6 p.m. The park will be open to tour and a meeting will be held for athletic groups interested in utilizing the facility. The park will feature four lit softball fields, multipurpose fields and much more.

Walker Road Park is located at 1285 Walker Road Lakeland, FL 33810.

For more information, please call (863) 534-4340.

 

Coast Guard Auxiliary Offers Boating Class

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Coast Guard Auxiliary Offers Boating Class

Coast Guard Auxiliary Offers Boating Class

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 77 will offer an About Boating Safely Class from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2017. The class will be held at the Polk County Sheriff’s building, 3635 Ave G NW in Winter Haven.

The class is offered each month in Polk County and presents fundamental boat handling and boating safety materials in an eight-hour, one-day presentation. Graduates receive certificates, wallet cards, and complimentary membership in BoatUS and may be eligible for insurance discounts.

The class provides all-around safe boating practices and is approved by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to satisfy the Florida Law requiring boaters born on or after 1/1/1988 to complete a boating education course and to possess a Florida Boaters Safety Education ID Card.

See: http://www.myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/faqs/ or www.myfwc.com to register for Flotilla 77’s ABS class, call their local toll-free number: 800-596-9688 or email [email protected].

 

Our Children’s Academy Hosts Rebranding Ceremony on School’s New Property

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Our Children’s Academy Hosts Rebranding Ceremony on School’s New Property

Our Children’s Academy Hosts Rebranding
Ceremony on School’s New Property

     

Lake Wales, Florida – On Friday, March 17th 2017, Our Children’s Academy hosted a Rebranding Ceremony on the school’s new property located at 427 Burns Avenue. After an intensive review period, Our Children’s board and school administration are pleased to announce the school’s new name as Victory Ridge Academy.

Founded in 2006, Our Children’s Academy came under new management in early 2014, leading to the decision to change the school’s name. Victory Ridge Academy represents the mission and future of our school as we aim to guide every student with special needs on their path to victory by aiding them with the skills needed for a safe, healthy and successful life by building independence for a lifetime within our communities, one child at a time.

The mission of Victory Ridge Academy is to provide children and adolescents with exceptional needs intensive, collaborative classroom-based educational and therapeutic interventions to promote independence, academic success, and community inclusion for all students.

For more information about Victory Ridge Academy, please call us at 863-679-3338.

 

Moonlight & Music Outdoor Cultural Event in Fort Meade March 24th

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Moonlight & Music Outdoor Cultural Event in Fort Meade March 24th

Community Organizers Hosting Free

Moonlight & Music Outdoor Cultural Event in Fort Meade

 

Fort Meade, FL (Mar. 24, 2017) —The Fort Meade Chamber of Commerce and Citizens Bank and Trust join forces with the City of Fort Meade, Women’s Club of Fort Meade, the Polk Arts Alliance and community sponsors to host the 3rd annual Moonlight & Music outdoor cultural event. The free event is set for Friday, March 31, at 5:00 p.m. in Patterson Park on U.S. Highway 17 (601 N. Charleston Ave.) in Fort Meade.

Attendees will enjoy a blend of music delivered by local and touring artists including classic country rock and 60s, 70s & 80’s harmony. There’s truly something for almost every music lover – all at no cost. Featured artists include Fort Meade’s own Justin Grimes Band and Ocala’s well-known L. A. Groove Connection. Additionally, the event organizers partnered with Lewis Anna Woodbury Elementary and Fort Meade High School to have their band play and choruses sing as guests arrive.

Local artists and authors will be on hand with their works.  Some items will be available for purchase.

At the event, you can purchase food and beverage provided by various restaurant vendors, including local faves Classic Pizza, Mary Lou’s Tex-Mex, BBQ by Big JD’s Grill, and more.  Beer and wine will also be offered for sale on site and must be purchased from the official event vendor.

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MOONLIGHT AND MUSIC

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County Commissioner Melony Bell, one of the event’s organizers and Fort Meade resident, has said, “We are excited to bring a first-class arts and culture event to Fort Meade for the enjoyment of our residents, but we have also promoted the event in Highlands, Hardee, Hillsborough, and other counties to introduce folks from those areas to a progressive and beautiful Fort Meade in a setting they will remember fondly, long after the last note of music is played.”

In addition to the presenting sponsor, CITIZENS BANK & TRUST, other sponsors are signing on daily. Already the list includes: Greenwood Chevrolet, GrayRobinson, Mosaic, Publix Charities, and WellDyne Rx.  Additional sponsors include A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc., Bartow Community Healthcare Foundation, Inc., City of Fort Meade, Florida Public Utilities, and Republic Services.  In addition, other sponsors include Florida Sales & Rental, Sunshine Growers, and Dixie Signs.

If you go:  Feel free to bring a blanket or chairs for your comfort during the evening and bring or purchase food for the event.  No alcoholic beverage are permitted except those purchased from the on-site beer/wine vendor.  Free parking is available, including a designated area for disabled parking.  Most parking is adjacent to the park but latecomers may have to park in more remote lots, so please plan accordingly.   Limited golf cart transportation is available from most parking areas.

“Last year’s event drew approximately 500 attendees, and we expect an even bigger turnout this year – largely due to our multi-county promotional efforts and word of mouth testimonials from those who came and enjoyed it in 2016,” said Bill & Suzie Whitener, co-directors of the Fort Meade Chamber of Commerce.  The Whitener’s added, “Plan to come early and stay late.  There’s quality entertainment scheduled throughout, and you won’t want to miss a minute of all that’s in store for you under the stars in Fort Meade.”

For more information or to express interest in sponsorship, see the Facebook event page, Moonlight and Music 2017, email us at [email protected], or call the        Ft. Meade Chamber of Commerce at (863) 285-8253.

“Operation March Sadness” Polk County Sheriff’s Undercover Detectives Arrest 104 Suspects During Six-Day-Long Prostitution Investigation Targeting Human Trafficking

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“Operation March Sadness” Polk County Sheriff’s Undercover Detectives Arrest 104 Suspects During Six-Day-Long Prostitution Investigation Targeting Human Trafficking
“Operation March Sadness”
 Polk County Sheriff’s Undercover Detectives Arrest 104 Suspects During Six-Day-Long Prostitution Investigation Targeting Human Trafficking  
During a six-day-long undercover investigation from Tuesday, March 14th through Sunday, March 20th, 2017, focusing on those who advertise prostitution services in online ads and identifying victims of human trafficking, Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives, working with the Office of the State Attorney (10th Judicial Circuit, State Attorny Brian Haas) arrested a total of 104 suspects.

 During the investigation, undercover detectives posted fictitious ads online, and responded to ads posted online by others. The types of suspects arrested were: those who responded to the ads posted by the undercover detectives, or “johns;” those who came to the undercover location to have sex for money, or “prostitutes;” one suspect who traveled to the undercover location to have sex with a minor; and others associated with both types of suspects.

“We suspect that some of the people who arrived at our undercover location are victims of human trafficking. We are proud of our partnership with The Porch Light Organization, who continue to work with us during investigations like this one, to help provide much needed resources to human trafficking victims.” Grady Judd, Sheriff
 
The suspects ranged in age from 20 – 63 years old.


Traveling to meet a minor arrest:
 
One suspect traveled to the undercover location to have sex with who he thought was a 14-year-old girl. According to his affidavit:


·         32-year-old Dirk Watson, of Merritt Island, FL, began chatting online to an undercover detective posing as a 14-year-old girl. During their online conversation, Watson solicited the “girl” to engage in sexual activity. Watson then drove to the undercover location and was arrested and charged with:


o   Use of Computer To Seduce Child (F-3)
o   Use of Two-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F-3)
o   Traveling to Meet a Minor (F-2)
o   Lewd Molestation (F-2)


Watson is an active-duty Captain in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and a coach for his son’s little league baseball team. His wife and two children were at Disney World, and he was going to join them on Sunday. Instead, he was arrested on Saturday evening (March 18, 2017). His mugshot is below.


Noteworthy arrests (johns):
 
·         20-year-old John Thompson, of Orlando, FL, replied to a fictitious ad placed by an undercover detective and arrived at the undercover location to have sex with a prostitute. He was arrested and charged with Soliciting Prostitution. Post-Miranda, Thompson told detectives he was arrested by PCSO in a similar undercover operation in June 2016, for which he was sentenced to the jail work release program (click here to read that news release: http://bit.ly/1Ua4GjG).
·         42-year-old Kevin Robinson, of Springfield, VA, replied to a fictitious ad placed by an undercover detective and arrived at the undercover location to have sex with two prostitutes. He brought a bag with him to the undercover location, containing bikinis, mouthwash, wet wipes, and contraception. He was arrested and charged with Soliciting Prostitution. Post-Miranda, he told detectives he is Reserve Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy stationed in Norfolk, Virginia.
·         51-year-old John Hamilton, of Melbourne, FL, replied to a fictitious ad placed by an undercover detective and arrived at the undercover location to have sex with two prostitutes. He told detectives he is a retired Major in the U.S. Air Force. He was arrested last year in Brevard County for Battery, Domestic Violence.
·         53-year-old Steven Abboud, of Davenport, FL, replied to a fictitious ad placed by an undercover detective and arrived at the undercover location to have sex with a prostitute. He left his three children at home with a coworker, and told them he was going to the bank. He has an extensive criminal history, including prior arrests for drugs, lewdness, and organized crime.
·         26-year-old Akmal Urunboev, of Orlando, FL, replied to a fictitious ad placed by an undercover detective and arrived at the undercover location via Uber to have sex with a prostitute. He told detectives he is here seeking political asylum.


Noteworthy arrests (prostitutes):
 
·         24-year-old Vera Vinnitskiy, of Northport, FL, arrived at the undercover location with co-defendant 23-year-old Yelena Sarioglo, of Largo, FL, to engage in sexual activity with undercover detectives in exchange for money. They both had ads posted online. Both were arrested and charged with Offering to Engage in Lewdness, and post-Miranda, told detectives that they left their young children at home with Sarioglo’s boyfriend in Largo. Detectives contacted the Largo Police Department and DCF to respond to the home and check on the children.
·         20-year-old Erica Little, arrived at the undercover location with co-defendant and cousin, 30-year-old Lonnette Little, both of North Carolina, to engage in sexual activity with undercover detectives in exchange for money. Erica had an “escort” ad online. When she arrived at the undercover location, she asked the detective if he also wanted to have sex with her cousin for money; Lonnette then came inside, leaving Lonnette’s 7-year-old son in the car alone. Detectives contacted DCF to respond to the scene. Detectives also found Oxycodone and marijuana in the car. Erica was arrested and charged with Offering to Engage in Lewdness, and Lonnette was arrested and charged with Offering to Engage in Lewdness, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Oxycodone, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
·         34-year-old Jenna Crocker, of Hollywood, FL, arrived at the undercover location to engage in sexual activity with an undercover detective in exchange for money. Jenna had an ad posted online. She brought marijuana with her. A check of her criminal history revealed she has been arrested four (4) previous times in Florida for charges related to prostitution, making this arrest a felony.
·         22-year-old Sierra Taylor-Edwards, of Orlando, FL, arrived at the undercover location to engage in sexual activity with an undercover detective in exchange for money. She has nine (9) prior arrests for prostitution, from Louisiana, California, and Texas. She had marijuana with her when she arrived at the location.


Of the 104 suspects arrested: 
·         38 were prostitutes
·         51 were “johns,” or those who solicited to pay for prostitution
·         14 others were arrested for related charges, such as deriving proceeds from prostitution
·         1 was arrested for traveling to meet a minor
·         23 told detectives they were married
·         Detectives seized 2 firearms, and drugs including marijuana, Oxycodone, heroin, and cocaine
·         Many of the prostitutes traveled to Florida, and told detectives they travel across the country, having sex for money


In all, detectives filed 37 felony charges and 128 misdemeanor charges against the 104 suspects.


Among the 104 suspects, there were a total of 191 previous felonies and 288 previous misdemeanor charges in their criminal histories.

Winter Haven Youth Soccer Invites You To Register for Upcoming Spring Season

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Winter Haven Youth Soccer Invites You To Register for Upcoming Spring Season

Winter Haven Youth Soccer invites you to register your child for the upcoming spring season. Both Boys and Girls, Age requirements, must be born between the years of 1998-2013.

 

Registrations ends April 1st

 

Two ways to register;

 

Online (Preferred) – https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/54272

Or the last in person opportunity is March 24th from 6-9pm at Simmers Young Park in Winter Haven in the Soccer Office.

 

For more information please visit http://www.whysa.com/Default.aspx?tabid=385655

or email us at [email protected]

 

Man Who Stole Woman’s Car At Dollar General Store Captured

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Man Who Stole Woman’s Car At Dollar General Store Captured

Man Who Stole Woman’s Car At Dollar General Store Captured

LAKELAND – A 23-year-old Hardee County man is behind bars for robbery and auto theft, after the Polk County Sheriff’s Office says he stole a car from a Lakeland Dollar General store and later crashed it.

On Saturday, March 18, Dallas Thomas was seen entering the Dollar General Store on South Florida Avenue. He followed a 57-year-old woman around the store, then snatched her keys, ran out of the store, took the woman’s car and fled. Both the woman and a store clerk tried to stop him.

The Sheriff’s Office was able to easily track the man because he left a black garbage bag behind in the parking lot that contained his clothes, other items, and paperwork with his name on them.  Dollar General security camera footage also gave law enforcement a clear description of the man, said a Sheriff’s Office report.

On Sunday, Thomas, wearing the same clothes as the day before, crashed the stolen vehicle in Hardee County. A bystander who offered to help him says he was on the ground asking for assistance. When police and EMT responded, they ran the car’s license tag and found the theft and robbery and identified him as a suspect in the Polk County crime.

He was checked out medically and then booked into the Hardee County Jail.

 

Publix and BayCare Health System Announce Healthcare Collaboration

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Publix and BayCare Health System Announce Healthcare Collaboration

Publix and BayCare Health System Announce Healthcare Collaboration 

LAKELAND  – Publix Pharmacy and BayCare Health System have signed an agreement that makes BayCare Publix’s exclusive health care and telehealth collaborator within Polk County and three other Florida counties.

The BayCare-branded telehealth sites will have a private room with teleconferencing and medical diagnostic equipment, including stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, high-definition cameras and other tools necessary for common diagnoses.

The collaboration, the details of which will be finalized by the end of the year, initially will include BayCare branded telehealth sites in various Publix locations, BayCare screening stations in all Publix locations and Publix Pharmacies on-site at five BayCare hospital locations.

Publix Vice President of Pharmacy Operations Fred Ottolino called it an exciting collaboration.

“Through this agreement, we will not only be able to provide BayCare medical expertise to Publix customers seeking non-urgent medical care, but we will also be able to bring Publix’s premier service to BayCare’s patients.”

The telehealth sites allow patients to speak directly via video conferencing technology with a board-certified physician through BayCare’s physician network. The physician can direct the patient to use the available diagnostic tools in order to make a diagnosis and write any necessary prescriptions.

Glenn Waters, Executive Vice President/COO, BayCare Health System said BayCare and Publix share the “core value of excellence.”

Lakeland Chamber Hosts Networking Training Event

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Lakeland Chamber Hosts Networking Training Event

Lakeland Chamber Hosts Networking Training Event

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce will host a free event teaching the basics of business networking on Thursday, March 23, from 7:45 am to 9:30 am.

The event, presented by Dr. Joe Perez and Prof. Maggie Morera, will cover delivering effective ‘elevator speeches’, networking during conferences, and maximizing network opportunities at all kinds of business events.

This is a free event, open to the public, but reservations are required.

The event will be held at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, 35 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland.

Contact Becky Bywater at [email protected] to register.

Visit centralflorida.score.org/localworkshops for more information.

 

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