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Polk County Sheriff’s Undercover Detectives Arrest Davenport Man for Trafficking in Meth; Suspect Hides Meth in Pottery

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Polk County Sheriff’s Undercover Detectives Arrest Davenport Man for Trafficking in Meth; Suspect Hides Meth in Pottery
Polk County Sheriff’s Undercover Detectives Arrest Davenport Man for Trafficking in Meth; Suspect Hides Meth in Pottery
On Monday, April 24, 2017, Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives arrested 30-year-old Omar Palencia (DOB 8/15/1986) of Davenport and charged him with:
  • Trafficking in meth over 400 grams (F-C)
  • Trafficking in meth 28-200 grams (F-1)
  • 2 counts possession of vehicle used to traffic drugs (F-2)
  • 2 counts possession of drug paraphernalia (M-1)


According to the affidavit, Omar delivered three pieces of pottery to PCSO undercover detectives, all of which were coated with a dried powered/crystalline paste made of methamphetamine (see photos below). Omar had the illegal items shipped to Florida, with the intent of “cooking” the meth out of the pottery to sell it. The total weight of the meth concealed within the pottery is well over 200 grams, which is the threshold for a trafficking amount.
According to the suspect, the amount of meth concealed within the pottery would have “cooked out” to 10 kilos, with a street value of $600,000.
 
When detectives placed Omar under arrest, he had two pieces of broken pottery in his pocket, containing the meth “paste,” that he told detectives he was using for personal use. That amount of meth totaled 101 grams.


He was booked into the Polk County Jail, where he is being held on no bond for the trafficking charges.
“You can see the lengths drug dealers go to, to get their illegal product out on the street. Omar Palencia will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and thanks to minimum mandatory sentencing laws, he should be out of the drug dealing business for quite some time. Our detectives work hard every day to keep illegal drugs off our streets.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff
 

Cooking on The Ridge: Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Cooking on The Ridge: Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cooking on The Ridge: Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

Directions

  • Prep 20 m

  • Cook 10 m

  • Ready In 1 h

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.
  3. Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.

Benefit Garage Sale – Saturday April 29 8AM to 1PM Lake Wales

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Benefit Garage Sale – Saturday April 29 8AM to 1PM Lake Wales

Garage sale…. Sat., April 29 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 912 East Street in Lake Wales (off of Burns Avenue –beside the Citgo gas station at the corner of Burns Ave. and 17th).

There will be garage sale signs in the area.

All proceeds will benefit Walk to End Lupus Now.

My daughter, Jenni, was diagnosed with Lupus 6 years ago and since then we have made it a point to walk every year at the Lupus Walk to create awareness and to raise funds for better medications and a cure.

Below find a link to her fundraiser page and to read a little about her story. A donation of any amount can also be made on the link below.

http://lfach.convio.net/site/TR/WTELN/LFAFloridaChapter?px=1013145&pg=personal&fr_id=1302

 

Lake Wales Charter Schools Annual Benefit Gala – Teacher of the Year

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Lake Wales Charter Schools Annual Benefit Gala – Teacher of the Year
 
 
LAKE WALES – Kristy May is exactly the type of teacher Robin Gibson had in mind more than a decade ago when he was a driving force in the creation of the Lake Wales Charter Schools system.
 
So it was only appropriate when both got heartfelt standing ovations Friday night as the major honorees at the annual  Lake Waled Charter Schools Foundation annual benefit gala.
 
Gibson, a local attorney and original member of the system’s Board of Trustees, was one of the key community stakeholders in late 2002 who fueled the dream of  Lake Wales charter schools. May, who has been a teacher for 11 years now including the last eight at Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary,  was announced as the system’s Teacher of the Year.
 
“This is for someone who is a true leader, absolutely instrumental in creating the Lake Wales Charter Schools system,” recalled Keith Wadsworth the LWCS Foundation chairman in bringing Gibson and his wife Jean onto the stage. “His idea was to get a group of people together and do something that had never been done before and really has yet to be replicated.”
 
Wadsworth noted that Gibson always used the two same words as his touchstone while developing the charter system, “Students first.”
 
“We all say it. Every system in the state I’m sure will say it, but how many of us really believe it? How many of us are really willing to do something about it, to take on the politics, the legal parts of it, the statutory fights, Tallahassee, all of the naysayers who said it can’t be done,” he added. “He did it. It takes a leader, someone very special, someone driving the ship, and that’s been Robin.”
 
Gibson recalled the fight, right down to the final decision of the Polk County School Board. The vote was three in favor, and three against, when the final yea ballot was cast to allow the charter system to be born.
 
“We sent five of the best applications they’d ever seen to the district. They really had no choice,” Gibson said. “They knew good and well we would have appealed and won. I can’t tell you how personally proud I am of the leadership that  has been drawn to this, the way the community has supported this, and the results we have achieved. And we’re continuing to get better, and better and better.”
 
He also noted that the effort to get the system set up was far from a one-man show.
 
“I know how we got this thing done. There were seven people on the steering committee, there were 10 subcommittees, there were 110 community leaders who all pulled together,” he added.
 
May was one of the six “Teacher’s of the Year” who all were honored with gifts and $500 in cash from the foundation. The five other finalists, included Jeff Jacobsen (Hillcrest Elementary),  Amy Harris (Janie Howard Wilson Elementary), Taylor Tancredi (Polk Avenue Elementary), Dr. Lubertha De Primo (Edward W. Bok Academy) and Jamie Winfree (Lake Wales High School).
 
“This is really overwhelming and amazing,” she said. “You all are amazing. This is a wonderful place to work and wonderful community to be a part of.”
 
May said her mother and father were key people on her journey to become an educator. 
 
“I was raised by very hard-working parents who knew that the key to a successful and fulfilling life was to develop relationships with others, maintain integrity, and always put forth your best effort in everything you do,” she noted. “With these core values, education was a natural fit for me.”
 
The foundation also honored a support person of the year at each school with $250. Winners were Jazbeth Alvarez (Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary), Krista York (Hillcrest Elementary), Tanya Faye (Janie Howard Wilson Elementary) Niaris Rivera (Polk Avenue Elementary), Teresa Bass (Edward W. Bok Academy) and Karen Blackwelder (Lake Wales High School.)
 
Presenting sponsors for the gala included the Lake Wales Charter School Foundation, SLA Management, Leonard’s, Ecotek, Brown and Brown Insurance, Acaletics, Johnson-Nelson-Gill Funeral Home, McKeon Chiropractic Clinic and Peterson and Myers Attorneys at Law.
 
Sponsors included Duke Energy, Dawn’s Flower Patch, United Health Care, Gibson Law Firm, Foresters Financial, Cleaning Management Solutions of America, Lake Wales Medical Center, Everett Whitehead and Son General Contractor, Pat Cain Wealth Solutions, Mike LaRosa, BKHM CPA, Story Companies, Hughes Corporate Printing, Shick Web Design, Raymond James, Polk State College, Mr. Carlos Unzueta, Mark and Paula Alford, C & T Groves and Land, Citizen’s Bank and Trust and Mr. Tom McCance. 
Photo 1 – Lake Wales Charter Schools Superintendent Dr. Jesse Jackson shares congratulations with Teacher of the Year Kristy May.
Photo 2 – Lake Wales attorney Robin Gibson, and wife Jean, were honored for their work in helping get the charter system going more than a decade ago.
 

Arrest Made In Triple Traffic Fatality from July 9, 2016

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Arrest Made In Triple Traffic Fatality from July 9, 2016

Arrest Made In Triple Traffic Fatality from July 9, 2016

LAKELAND, FL (April 24, 2017) – On Saturday, July 9, 2016 at approximately 11:36 p.m., the Lakeland Police Department Traffic Homicide Team responded to the scene of a fatal crash involving (3) fatalities. An orange colored Volkswagen GTI was traveling southbound in the inside lane on US 98 north in the 4900 block. A blue Nissan Sentra was traveling northbound in the middle lane on US 98 North in the 4900 block. The Volkswagen was street racing a light in color, possible white, Ford Mustang.  The driver of the Volkswagen, later identified as Michael Marrero lost control and entered the northbound lanes of US 98 North. Marrero then crossed through the inside northbound lane and entered the middle lane of US 98 North at which time the front of the Volkswagen impacted the Nissan on the front left corner. The impact redirected the Nissan causing it to rotate, flip and come to a final rest approximately 30 feet away from the point of impact. Marrero continued in the Volkswagen coming to a final rest approximately 49 feet away from the point of impact in the roadway.

The operator of the Nissan, Christopher Lee Stewart Jr., 22 years old, and the front seat passenger, Kathrin Renee Pitock, 22 years of age, died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The rear passenger, Brittany Danielle Lewis, 25 years of age, was transported to the Lakeland Regional Health Center in critical condition but died a short time later from injuries she sustained in the crash.

During the on-scene investigation independent witnesses were interviewed and described Marrero’s driving pattern prior the crash to be consistent with street racing. One witness stated that he observed Marrero racing a white Mustang at an estimated speed of 80 miles per hour or higher.

A second witness stated that he was southbound on US 98 North, when Marrero and a white mustang drove by him racing and that the mustang cut in front of Marrero causing him to lose control and enter the northbound lanes of traffic.

A third witness stated she observed both of the vehicles going approximately 110 to 120 miles per hour and she believed that they were racing.

Traffic reconstruction revealed that the Volkswagen driven by Marrero was traveling at a minimum of 73.37 miles per hour at the beginning of the skid marks and an impact speed of 65.14 miles per hour, in a posted 45 miles per hour zone.

Based on witness statements, roadway evidence and reconstruction, Marrero was arrested April 24th on (3) counts of Vehicular Homicide, F2. Marrero was arrested at his residence without incident and later transported to the Polk County Jail.

 

7 Rivers Water Festival – Lake Eva Park, Haines City = May 6, 2017

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7 Rivers Water Festival – Lake Eva Park, Haines City = May 6, 2017

7 Rivers Water Festival – Lake Eva Park, Haines City

 

 On May 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., all are invited to the fourth annual 7 Rivers Water Festival at Lake Eva.

 

This family-friendly event is free and features a cardboard boat race, a recycled fashion show competition, and live animals including butterflies and a Florida panther.

 

At the Festival you will learn:

 

* How and why organizations involved with conservation, recreation and pollution prevention work together to save water, money and the environment.

 

*Ways we can protect and conserve the environment and enhance our enjoyment of water sports and lakeside activities

 

*Learn more about utility service and supply issues, and much more through games, activities, and prizes.

 

The 7 Rivers Water Festival is brought to you by Polk County Utilities and the City of Haines City.

Lake Eva Park is located at 301 Ledwith Avenue, Haines City, FL 33844.

Visit www.polk-county.net/7Rivers for more information.

 

Patient Thanks Crews After Rattlesnake Bite

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Patient Thanks Crews After Rattlesnake Bite

Patient Thanks Crews After Rattlesnake Bite

Bartow, Fla. (April 24, 2017) — Jerome Roddenberry was treated by Polk County Fire Rescue after a rattlesnake bit him on his hand. He’s now out of the hospital and recovering well. On Friday, April 21, he met some of the Polk County Fire Rescue members who started his care.

Roddenberry was bitten on Sunday, April 9, by a five and a half foot rattlesnake. He told firefighters during the reunion that the bite itself didn’t hurt, “but things got bad, fast.” After about 10 steps he wasn’t able to move and approximately 30 seconds after the bite, he doesn’t remember anything until he woke in the hospital.

“I have no memory of my first helicopter ride,” Roddenberry told firefighters.

Polk County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to the River Ranch hunting grounds around 6:30 p.m. Fire rescue crews were told someone shot the snake in the midsection and Roddenberry thought it was dead; but when he picked it up, the snake bit him on his hand.

When fire rescue crews arrived, Roddenberry needed advanced medical care. He was airlifted to Osceola Regional Medical Center so antivenin could be administered. Mr. Roddenberry said he received 32 vials of antivenin at the hospital. “I’m lucky to be alive,” he added.

Roddenberry also told the Polk County Fire Rescue members, “You saved my life. You kept me going until I got to the hospital.”

Video taken during the reunion is posted on the Polk County Fire Rescue Facebook page.

If you are interested in learning more about treating snakebites, envenomation care will be explored at the Polk County Fire Rescue’s EMS Symposium on Tuesday, May 23. Registration is free. Visit www.polk-county.net/EMS-Symposium to register.

Curious Rattlesnake Says Hello To Firefighters During Red Grange Fire

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Curious Rattlesnake Says Hello To Firefighters During Red Grange Fire

Curious Rattlesnake Says Hello To Firefighters During Red Grange Fire

 

Bartow, Fla. (April 23, 2017) — Fighting the Red Grange Fire wasn’t the only challenge firefighters faced over the weekend. On Saturday, April 22, firefighters stumbled across a rattlesnake while protecting a structure during a flare-up .

“While our crews are working, they must be extremely careful and watch for other hazards,” said Battalion Chief Chris Hancock.

About a month ago firefighters extinguishing a brush fire in the same area had a similar experience. It’s also not far from the River Ranch, where a man was airlifted after he picked up a rattlesnake that was shot in its midsection.

On Tuesday, May 23, envenomation care will be explored at the EMS Symposium Polk County Fire Rescue is organizing. The event is free and you can register by visiting www.polk-county.net/EMS-Symposium.

 

Lake Wales House Fire Under Investigation

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Lake Wales House Fire Under Investigation
Lake Wales House Fire Under Investigation
 
Bartow, Fla. (April 23, 2017) — A home in Lake Wales received extensive fire damage. Polk County Fire Rescue responded to 2507 Forest Drive just before 7 a.m. Sunday, April 23. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire and smoke coming from the rear of the structure. In approximately 30 minutes, Polk County Fire Rescue extinguished the fire.
No one was in the home. Polk County Fire Rescue was told by neighbors the home is vacant.
The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations was called to carry out an investigation.

PCSO Deputies Arrest Bartow Man For Felony Possession of Marijuana With Intent To Sell & Marijuana-Laced Gummy Candy

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PCSO Deputies Arrest Bartow Man For Felony Possession of Marijuana With Intent To Sell & Marijuana-Laced Gummy Candy

On Friday, April 21, 2017, PCSO deputies arrested 30-year-old Jerrod Williams of 950 Bee Avenue North in Bartow for:

  • one count possession of marijuana with intent to sell (F3)
  • one count keeping vehicle for drug sales (F3)
  • one count possession of marijuana over 20 grams (F3)
  • one count possession of drug paraphernalia (M1)

According to the affidavit, around 11:00 p.m. that evening, a PCSO deputy sheriff pulled Williams’ vehicle over for a traffic infraction on Crystal Lake Drive North in Lakeland, and smelled the distinct odor of marijuana emanating from within the car as he approached it.

During a search of the car, deputies located two large bags (total weight 216 grams) of marijuana leaves, and another large bag (weighing 412 grams) of 26 individually packaged “Colorado Retail Marijuana” gummies. Williams also had $5,900 in cash on him, all of which are indicative of illegal drug sales.

Williams was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail.

Williams has been in the Polk County jail on six prior occasions, for aggravated assault with a firearm, battery domestic violence, possession of marijuana, a Hillsborough County warrant (grand theft, burglary), DWLSR, and VOP.

His most recent arrest in January 2017 was for possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of marijuana over 20 grams. He has been out on bond since that time, and has now violated the conditions of his pre-trial release with this new arrest. As such, he will remain in the Polk County Jail for these news charges, on no bond.

“Clearly, Jerrod Williams hasn’t learned the error of his ways. No matter how you package marijuana, or whether you bring marijuana gummies it into our county from Colorado, it is still illegal to sell on the street. It appears the only way to keep him from selling drugs is to keep him in jail.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

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