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Polk County Deputies Arrest Man For Carjacking an Amazon Delivery Van

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Polk County Deputies Arrest Man For Carjacking an Amazon Delivery Van

On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, an Amazon delivery van was carjacked from a residential neighborhood near State Road 60, just east of Bartow, and the man responsible is now in the Polk County Jail.

22-year-old Mario Crawford of Bartow has been charged with: Carjacking without a Weapon (F1), Unarmed Burglary (F2), Grand Theft (F3), Possession of Burglary Tools (F3), Resisting (M1), and Wearing a Mask in Public (M2).

The deliveryman was in the back of his van for a delivery on Kathy Road, when Crawford, who was wearing a ski mask, jumped into the driver’s seat and demanded that the victim get out of the vehicle. Fearing for his safety, the victim complied.

Crawford drove the van to Radford Road and abandoned it.

A resident who lives near the area where the van was abandoned, flagged down a deputy and reported that someone he didn’t know had just entered his home. The deputy went to the man’s home and located Crawford inside a bathroom.

“The delivery man did the right thing by not resisting the unarmed carjacker. The victim didn’t know if Crawford had a weapon on him, and didn’t know what he was capable of doing. He just knew that an unknown man wearing a ski-mask was demanding him to get out, and that was the safest thing to do. He called and reported it immediately, and we were able to catch him soon-after.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

At the time of Crawford’s arrest, he was on probation for possession of a counterfeit check, forgery, uttering a forgery, and grand theft, so he was also charged for violation of probation by the PCSO.

Mario Crawford’s prior criminal history consists of 17 felonies and 12 misdemeanors, including charges of: burglary, grand theft motor vehicle, aggravated battery, theft, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, dealing in stolen property, fraud, loitering/prowling, resisting, trespassing, and possession of marijuana. 

photo above shows the Amazon delivery van as it was recovered near the intersection of Radford Road and North Avenue in the Gordonville area of Bartow.

Winter Haven Man Arrested on Multiple Felonies For Fraudulent Ballot Petitions in Highlands County

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Winter Haven Man Arrested on Multiple Felonies For Fraudulent Ballot Petitions in Highlands County

Winter Haven Man Arrested on Multiple Felonies For Fraudulent Ballot Petitions in Highlands County

SEBRING — A 21-year-old Winter Haven man was arrested Feb. 10 for multiple felonies after it was discovered he had forged petitions to get measures on the ballot for the 2020 election.

Derrell Gregory Crummedy was arrested in Polk County on a Highlands County warrant that charged him with 15 counts of false swearing with regard to voting, 15 counts of submitting false voter registration information, 15 counts of forgery, 15 counts of signing another name on a petition and one count of scheme to defraud.

The case came to light in August of 2019 when an employee of the Supervisor of Elections office in Highlands County noticed the fraud. She noticed it because Crummedy had forged her name on a petition.

She told Sgt. Mike Ahrens that Crummedy had been in front of the Government Center a week and half earlier and she had signed a petition for the minimum wage amendment and returned it to Crummedy. Part of her job, however, is checking all the petitions turned in to the elections office and she came across a petition for another ballot initiative that had her information that she knew was forged because she had never filled out that particular form.

She was able to give Sgt. Ahrens information that Crummedy was being paid to collect signatures for six ballot initiatives as well as multiple other forms that appeared to be fraudulent.

Crummedy was located in front of the Highlands County Courthouse collecting signatures and confessed when confronted with the allegations. He said he was being paid between $2 and $4 per signature for the petitions he was collecting.

Due to COVID-19 complications, it took months to determine the full extent of the case, which eventually turned up 404 possible fraudulent forms with 161 separate victims from Highlands County. Due to the overwhelming work that would be required to file charges for each case, the decision was made to focus on four victims in order to move the case forward without further delay. If he was charged with all potential crimes, he could face 2,000 felony and misdemeanor charges.

Note: Not all arrests result in convictions. Everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty in court.

The Back Nine Celebrates Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting

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The Back Nine Celebrates Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting

The Back Nine Celebrates Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting

by James Coulter

How would you like to play a round of golf, rain or shine, without having to tread an entire golf course? Even better, how would you like to enjoy a cold glass of beer or a hot meal afterward without having to go to a country club? You can do all of that and more at the newest eatery in Lakeland.

The Back Nine in Lakeland offers three simulators that allow guests to play a virtual round of golf, as well as other games and sports, including soccer, hockey, football, or even carnival games. Golf tournaments and leagues will also be offered.

“At 3,500 square feet and boasting 3 Full Swing Golf simulators, we are excited to be Lakeland’s first premier golf center,” their website states. “Our simulators will allow new and experienced golfers of all ages access to 80+ courses including Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass.” 

After expending energy on the virtual golf course, players and other guests can also enjoy “upscale bar food,” including hamburgers, sandwiches, wings, and appetizers like Cuban eggrolls. Their talented chef offers different specials every week, so customers can expect something new every time they drop by, explained owner Jenna Smith.

Jenna and her husband, Ethan, both work as teachers, teaching fourth grade at Churchill Elementary. Both of them wanted to start their own business, preferably an eatery. Her husband loved golf, so the idea for a virtual golf experience seemed an exciting endeavor for them, even though she’s not a golfer, she said.

“We grew up in North Lakeland, and we wanted to create something fun for families to do,” she said. “[We] have been working on this concept for five years. This has been a long time in the making. We wanted to bring something to Lakeland that people can come in and spend time with their family and enjoy some good food.”

Jenna and Ethan officially dedicated their new establishment on Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. Corey Skeetes, Chamber President and CEO, expressed his love of the place and his willingness to visit with his family.

“I think it is an amazing addition to the north side of Lakeland,” he said. “I will be bringing my family here. Any opportunity to mix great food with recreation with a golf simulator, I think it is a wonderful thing for families.”

Jenna wanted to provide a venue where residents and their families could enjoy quality time together. “We want people to get off their phones and spend time with their families and enjoy themselves,” she said. “It gets people active, it gets people moving, [and] it gets people having a good time.”

Not only is she hopeful that The Back Nine will be successful, but that it will succeed to the point of spawning additional venues in other cities. She hopes that enough people give it a chance that other people in different cities will want something similar for their hometown.

“We would love to open more Back Nines,” she said. “We have the idea and the concept and our team. Our employees are great, our chef is awesome, our kitchen staff is awesome, and we would like to grow more and give back to our community more.”

The Back Nine is located at 7331 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.thebackninelakeland.com/

Person Shoots Dog & Then Turns Gun On Themselves Near Lake Wailes Lake

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Person Shoots Dog & Then Turns Gun On Themselves Near Lake Wailes Lake

On Thursday, February 11, 2021 at approximately 8:34 a.m., officers responded to a call in the area of North Lakeshore Boulevard and 9th Street regarding a 911 call of a person shooting a dog and then themself. Upon officers arrival, the found the person still alive beside their deceased dog. Officers began to render aid until Lake Wales Fire Department and Polk County Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene to take over lifesaving efforts. The person was transported to Advent Health of Lake Wales and was later pronounced deceased at 9:05 a.m.

This incident occurred at the old boat ramp on Lake Wailes between the bike path and the lake, south of 9th Street. The community is safe. Officers are still attempting to locate and notify family at this time.

68 Yr Old Lakeland Woman Killed When SUV Crosses Center Line Striking Her Vehicle

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68 Yr Old Lakeland Woman Killed When SUV Crosses Center Line Striking Her Vehicle

On February 10, 2021, at around 12:40 p.m., deputies responded to a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred on Main Street near Fairway Avenue in unincorporated Lakeland. The crash killed 68-year-old Karla Ward of Lakeland.

Ward was the driver of a tan 2008 Hyundai Sonata.

The second vehicle involved was a gray Ford Explorer Sport Trac, driven by 44-year-old Jason Howell of Auburndale.

According to the preliminary investigation so far, Howell was traveling eastbound on Main Street, while Ward was travelling westbound on the same roadway. Howell’s Ford Explorer crossed the lane divider into the westbound lane and struck the front left side of Ward’s Sonata.

When emergency responders arrived on scene, Ward was entrapped inside her vehicle and died at the scene.

Howell sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

At the time of the crash, Ward was wearing her seatbelt, but Howell was not wearing his seatbelt.

The roadway was closed for approximately four hours during the investigation. This investigation is ongoing

In Loving Memory of Tyler Austin Noel April 5, 1991 – January 26, 2021

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In Loving Memory of Tyler Austin Noel April 5, 1991 – January 26, 2021

Tyler Austin Noel of Daytona Beach passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at his residence.  He was a loving son, brother, and uncle who was cherished by his family and friends.

Tyler was born April 5, 1991, in Winter Haven to Jeff and Julie Noel of Lake Wales. He was actively involved in community sports as he grew up (football, soccer, basketball, and baseball) and served as an altar boy for many years at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.  During the summer and over school holidays, Tyler participated in the Lake Wales Care Center Stay-at-Home Work Camp where he learned the importance of “people helping people helping people.” He was honored to help local residents with projects to improve their homes as well as residents in Moss Point, Mississippi, following the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. 

In 2009 Tyler graduated from Lake Wales High School where he was a member of the football team and the weightlifting team.  As a Highlander, he was also a member of the National Honor Society, Youth Leadership of Lake Wales, and Mu  Alpha Theta (mathematics honor society). In 2014 Tyler proudly graduated from the Rosen College of Hospitality at the University of Central Florida.   He earned a bachelor’s degree in Restaurant and Foodservice Management and began working for Americrown Service Corporation, a division of the International Speedway Corporation.  Tyler worked as a concessions manager for both Americrown and Levy from his office at the Daytona International Speedway.  He also traveled to numerous NASCAR speedways across the United States to work during many races and musical events.  While at UCF, he was a member of the Knights Racing Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) racing team.  Each year the team conceived, designed, fabricated, developed, and competed with other small formula-style racing cars from universities around the world.  Tyler’s interest began at a young age when he started RC car racing with his father.  As a team, they raced both off-road and oval tracks all over the state for many years.  Tyler loved being outdoors, listening to country music, shooting, camping with friends, woodworking, and traveling.  He had a passion for cooking and loved to barbeque.   Two years ago, Tyler became an uncle – he was both nervous and very excited to be a part of Harper’s life.  Uncle Tyler gave Harper her first bicycle and fishing pole.

Tyler is survived by his parents, Jeff and Julie Noel of Lake Wales; sister, Ashley Machata and brother-in-law, Matthew Machata of Lake Wales; niece, Harper Rose Machata; maternal grandparents, Charles and Marlene Cramer of LaVale, Maryland; paternal grandparents, Richard and Sara Noel of Sebring; and many loved family members and friends.  Tyler’s smile, kindness, and great sense of humor will be deeply missed.

A private memorial service will be held in the near future.  A celebration of Tyler’s life for family and friends will be held Saturday, April 10, 2021, in Lake Wales. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Lake Wales Care Center (https://lakewalescarecenter.com/donate/) in Tyler’s memory.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Auburndale Man Identified and Arrested for Multiple Construction Site Thefts Totaling $8,390

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Auburndale Man Identified and Arrested for Multiple Construction Site Thefts Totaling $8,390

Release by Winter Haven Police Department

An Auburndale man has been identified and arrested for multiple construction site thefts  starting in October 2020 totaling $8,390.

Starting in October 2020, the construction site thefts were reported from new construction sites in Normandy Heights (off Hwy 540) and Villamar (off Cunningham Rd.) in Winter Haven. The thefts were reported by site managers, construction crews and by a witness who saw a vehicle backed up to a garage.

a man looking at the camera


MENDOZA

Fingerprints that had been located inside one of the residents came back to 26 year-old Fernando Gomez Mendoza (DOB 7-24-94, 1498 Berkley Rd., Auburndale, FL 33823). Mendoza worked at both of the neighborhoods on various dates since October. Further investigations revealed that a witness was able to describe a vehicle that was backed up to a garage where they could hear items being dragged across the garage floor. The vehicle, a gray Dodge Caravan was the vehicle of Mendoza’s girlfriend.

On Feb. 2, 2021 contact was made with the girlfriend who allowed detectives inside the Berkley Rd. residence. Several items were observed in plain view that were similar to those reported missing from the construction sites. The girlfriend stated she didn’t know anything about the items being stolen as Mendoza would tell her he was bringing them home to “fix” them.

Mendoza was contacted by phone the same day while working at an Orlando construction site. He met with detectives and initially denied taking items. However, serial numbers for many of the appliances and fixtures along with markings on the boxes confirmed the items were taken from the two construction sites. Mendoza also told detectives that he bought a bundle of front doors for $200 and also a range/stove from a Facebook seller for $80. Mendoza stated he knew the items had to be stolen because they looked brand new.

All totaled, Mendoza has been charged with burglary of 14 construction sites. On Feb. 2, 2021 he was booked into Polk County Jail and charged with 12 counts of Unoccupied Burglary of a Structure (F-3), nine counts of Petit Theft (M-1), three counts of Grand Theft (F-3) and one count of Dealing in Stolen Property (F-2). He has since bonded out of jail.

Items taken from the construction sites and located inside of Mendoza’s home were:

Silver Samsung Dishwasher – $437.09
Black/Silver Samsung Microwave – $188.88
Silver Samsung Refrigerator – $1,528.43
Small Pieces of Black/Gray Formica Countertop – $417.00
Two 3-Bulb Vanity Light Fixtures – $200.00 total
Black/Silver Samsung Range – $512.67
Nine White Colonial Steel Exterior Doors – 3,082.46 total
Two boxes Containing Cabinets – $200.00
Large Light Gray and White Counter Top – $100.00
Two White Interior Doors – $175.48
Bundle of Moulding/Trim Moulding – $200.00
Three Boxes of Bi-Fold Doors – $181.00 total
Dark Brown Cabinets – $1,167.06

Lake Wales High School Girls Basketball Team Wins District Tournament

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Lake Wales High School Girls Basketball Team Wins District Tournament

Lake Wales High School Girls Basketball Team Wins District Tournament

By Allison Williams

Photo provided by Lakendra McMath

The Lake Wales High School Lady Highlanders played an exciting game Friday night against Lake Gibson. This was the 2021 FHSAA Girls Basketball District Tournament and they won with a score of 59-46.

The leading scorer for the game was Chanelle McDonald, a senior. She scored 38 points and was coined Player of the Game.

The second leading scorer was Jameria Robinson, sophomore, with 10 points.

Next up for the Lady Highlanders will be the Regionals tournament. This game will be held on Thursday, February 11 and begin at 7:00 p.m. The game will be local at Lake Wales High School. 1 Highlander Way, Lake Wales, FL 33853.

The goal for the Lady Highlanders is to make it all the way to the State Tournament this year.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of ARMHOLES DBA Six Pac Project Management LLC and intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Tallahassee, FL and /or Clerk of the Circuit Court of Polk County, FL

ARMHOLES, dba

Six Pac Project Management LLC

811 Irene Dr.
Auburndale, FL 33823

PCSO In Need of Substitute Part-Time School Crossing Guards

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PCSO In Need of Substitute Part-Time School Crossing Guards

PCSO is seeking qualified men and women who desire to work as substitute part-time school crossing guards in Lakeland, Lake Wales, and Winter Haven.

The guard should be available to work for one hour in the morning and for 30 minutes in the afternoon.

Anyone interested in applying for a school crossing guard position in LAKELAND should contact Supervisor Heather Strafford at (863) 534-7300 ext. 108.

Anyone interested in applying for a school crossing guard position in WINTER HAVEN OR LAKE WALES should contact Supervisor Courtney Branch at (863) 534-7300 ext. 109.

School Crossing Guard services are provided by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office through funds provided by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. This vital program provides adult crossing guards at selected school crossings to ensure the safety of our elementary school children walking to and from school.

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