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UPDATE: Fire/Death Investigation in Mulberry

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UPDATE: Fire/Death Investigation in Mulberry

Update to death investigation in Mulberry:

The autopsy on Eugene Youmans, whose house was on fire in Mulberry yesterday, was completed by the District 13 Medical Examiner. He noted no additional injuries or trauma unrelated to the fire, but the autopsy itself is pending toxicology.

The investigation will be complete once toxicology results come back, and the autopsy results with the cause and manner of death are submitted to PCSO for inclusion into our death investigation.

Original Release:

Mulberry, Florida – A man firefighters found inside a burning home in Spring Hill Estates of Mulberry has died. Polk County Fire Rescue was dispatched around 12:40 a.m. Sunday, March 5, to 92 Windsor Lane. When firefighters arrived, a woman was standing outside spraying water from a garden hose at the flames.

Firefighters searched the home and pulled an unconscious man from the structure. Life-saving measures were carried out while the victim was taken to South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City. He was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1:44 a.m.

The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is looking into the cause of the fire and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is carrying out the death investigation.

PCSO Traffic Unit Is Investigating a Single Vehicle Fatality From This Morning

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PCSO Traffic Unit Is Investigating a Single Vehicle Fatality From This Morning

The PCSO Traffic Unit is investigating a single-vehicle fatality that occurred in Polk City this morning. Preliminary information so far is as follows:

Around 6:45 a.m. on Monday, March 6, 2017, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received a call from a witness who reported seeing a crashed and overturned red pickup truck off of SR 33 near Van Fleet Road in Polk City.

When first responders arrived they located the lone occupant, 26-year-old Cameron Richardson of Lakeland, deceased inside. It does not appear he was wearing his seatbelt.

So far deputies have not located any witnesses to the crash, and it doesn’t appear initially that any other vehicles were involved.

According to the physical evidence at the scene, it appears the pickup truck was northbound on SR 33 approaching Van Fleet Road when it left the roadway with its right tires, over-corrected, then skidded and rotated counter-clockwise across both lanes of travel and flipped, striking several trees until it came to a final rest on its roof.

A nearby resident heard a loud noise around 1:00 a.m. this morning, which could have been when the crash occurred.

If anyone has information about this crash they are urged to contact PCSO at 863-298-6200.

The investigation is ongoing.

PCSO In Need of Substitute School Crossing Guards

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PCSO In Need of Substitute School Crossing Guards
PCSO In Need of Substitute School Crossing Guards 
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office School Crossing Section is in need of three (3) substitute school crossing guards to work in the Lake Wales area. 

The focus of the school crossing guard is to encourage students to cross at proper intersections. Guards also provide information regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety. 
 
School crossing guards are frequently, but not limited to, retired residents who feel a sense of community commitment. Deputies often rely on school crossing guards to advise them of traffic problems in the communities surrounding school crossings. Crossing guards also have been able to provide important information regarding criminal events occurring in their assigned areas. 
 
If you have any questions regarding the School Crossing Section, or if you are interested in becoming a school crossing guard, contact the School Crossing Supervisors during normal business hours at 863-534-7330.

Polk County Fire Rescue Working Brush Fire In Southwest Bartow

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Polk County Fire Rescue Working Brush Fire In Southwest Bartow

Bartow, Florida –  The Polk County Fire Rescue is battling a 30 acre brushfire near Agricola Rd. According to Kevin Watler, PCFR PIO, confirmed that a section of Agricola Rd. from Old 37 Rd. To S.R. 555 is closed due to smoke.

Watler added no structures appear to be in danger at this time.

This is an ongoing situation and we will update when we have more information.

Man Dies In Early Sunday Morning House Fire After Polk Fire Fighters Valiantly Tried To Save His Life

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Man Dies In Early Sunday Morning House Fire After Polk Fire Fighters Valiantly Tried To Save His Life

Mulberry, Florida – A man firefighters found inside a burning home in Spring Hill Estates of Mulberry has died. Polk County Fire Rescue was dispatched around 12:40 a.m. Sunday, March 5, to 92 Windsor Lane. When firefighters arrived, a woman was standing outside spraying water from a garden hose at the flames.

Firefighters searched the home and pulled an unconscious man from the structure. Life-saving measures were carried out while the victim was taken to South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City. He was pronounced dead at the hospital at 1:44 a.m.

The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is looking into the cause of the fire and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is carrying out the death investigation.

Fun Friday – Circle B Bar Reserve

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Fun Friday – Circle B Bar Reserve

Circle B Bar Reserve

circleb

Street Address

4399 Winter Lake Road (SR 540)
Lakeland, FL 33803
(Google map)

Size

1,267 acres

Hours of Operation

Daily from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. during standard time and from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. during daylight-saving time.

About Circle B Bar Reserve

Recreational OpportunitiesNamed after a cattle ranch that once existed on this property, Circle B Bar Reserve was jointly acquired by the Polk County Environmental Lands Program and the District to protect the floodplain of the lake and to restore the Banana Creek marsh system. The property is maintained by Polk County. Much of the property had previously been converted to pasture, but in 2005 and 2006, restoration projects were completed to restore much of the original hydrologic function of the lands. As a result of the marsh system restoration project, Circle B is now home to some of the most impressive bird activity on District property. The tremendous bird population includes a variety of wading birds, waterfowl, ospreys and bald eagles. Alligators inhabit Lake Hancock and may be observed at a distance from shore or from a pier. Oak hammock, freshwater marsh, hardwood swamp and the lakeshore are among the unique characteristics of this property.

Polk County Nature Discovery Center

In November 2008, construction of the Polk County Nature Discovery Center was completed. Managed by the Polk County Natural Resources Department, the center provides educational opportunities for Polk County public schools and is open to the public. There are exhibits in the center that display environmental and hydrologic functions of Florida’s natural resources. Nature trail, pavilion and information signs are available for public use on the grounds adjacent to the center.

Bicycling

  • Numerous trails and roads available throughout the property.
  • Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.

Bird Watching

Fishing

  • Available in Lake Hancock.
  • Contact FWC for license requirements.

Hiking

  • Alligator Alley Trail (2.5-mile roundtrip) is an unpaved trail running from parking area to Lake
    Hancock.
  • Marsh Rabbit Run is an unpaved trail that runs through Banana Creek Marsh.
  • Brochure describing trails available at trailhead.

Picnic Facilities

  • Picnic tables are located along the road between the main entrance and the Nature Discovery Center.

Access and Parking

  • South of Lakeland on SR 540, entrance to park is on south side of road.
  • ADA access and facilities available.

Restrooms and Water

Restroom facility and water located at Polk’s Nature Discovery Center.

Location

Northwestern Polk County, south of Lakeland

For More Information

Polk County Natural Resources Department, (863) 534-7377

PCSO Investigating Death of Inmate Who Died at Florida Hospital Heartland in Sebring

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PCSO Investigating Death of Inmate Who Died at Florida Hospital Heartland in Sebring
PCSO Investigating Death of Inmate Who Died at 
Florida Hospital Heartland in Sebring
Polk County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating the death of a Polk County Jail inmate that occurred on Thursday, March 2, 2017, at Florida Hospital Heartland in Sebring. 
keith-newberryAt approximately 6:00 p.m., PCSO jail medical staff made contact with 59-year-old South County Jail inmate Keith Newberry, who was vomiting, had diarrhea, and was displaying symptoms of a stomach virus. While being treated in the infirmary, he suddenly went into cardiac arrest, and PCSO detention deputies along with jail medical staff immediately began life-saving efforts, to include CPR, and called EMS. When EMS arrived they took over CPR and transported Newberry to Florida Hospital Heartland in Sebring. Newberry could not be revived and was declared deceased at the hospital.

Newberry (DOB 11/08/1957), has a last known address of 320 Patterson Street West in Lakeland. His criminal history includes 60 total charges since 1981, and he has been to state prison twice:
 
  • 9/16/81 – possession of marijuana, sale of marijuana
  • 1/16/84 – failure to appear
  • 1/25/85 – probation violation
  • 3/14/85 – probation violation
  • 7/25/85 – DUI, possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of paraphernalia
  • 2/5/87 – reckless driving, resisting arrest, fleeing to elude, grand theft motor vehicle
  • 4/9/87 – vehicle theft, 2 counts failure to appear
  • 3/12/89 – possession of marijuana over 20 grams
  • 4/5/99 – possession of controlled substance without Rx, possession of paraphernalia (sentenced to one year in state prison)
  • 4/27/00 – 2 counts probation violation
  • 5/18/01 – possession of controlled substance without Rx, possession of paraphernalia
  • 6/18/01 – possession of controlled substance without Rx
  • 7/25/01 – resisting arrest, larceny, forgery
  • 8/7/01 – possession of barbituates, possession of paraphernalia, forgery, assault, resisting arrest, larceny
  • 11/23/01 – resisting arrest
  • 11/28/01 – 4 counts probation violation
  • 8/4/03 – possession of cocaine, possession of paraphernalia
  • 9/10/03 – possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, no valid DL
  • 12/11/03 – 3 counts probation violation
  • 8/30/05 – forgery of public record, passing forged instrument (sentenced to one year in state prison)
  • 2/26/06 – probation violation
  • 11/22/07 – vehicle theft
  • 12/3/14 – fraud, larceny, dealing in stolen property, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia
  • 8/7/16 – possession of meth, possession of paraphernalia, 2 counts failure to appear
  • 2/6/17 – 2 counts failure to appear

An autopsy was conducted to determine his cause and manner of death. Preliminary autopsy results indicate extensive pre-existing medical issues. Final autopsy results are pending toxicology.
 
This is an ongoing death investigation. It is standard PCSO policy for four separate mandated, independent investigations to be conducted when an inmate dies. The PCSO Administrative Investigations Section is conducting an internal review. The PCSO Bureau of Criminal Investigations is conducting the death investigation. The Polk County Medical Examiner will conduct the autopsy to determine the manner and cause of death. All of the paperwork will be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for their review.

Special Operations Unit arrests two on charges of heroin, oxycodone trafficking

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Special Operations Unit arrests two on charges of heroin, oxycodone trafficking

Special Operations Unit arrests two on charges of heroin, oxycodone  trafficking

 

SEBRING — The Highlands County Special Operations Unit intercepted two people who were bringing heroin and oxycodone from Fort Lauderdale with the intention of selling them in Highlands County Thursday night (March 2).

 

Acting on a tip, the SOU was waiting when 33-year-old Adam Daniel McKenzie of Sebring — whose license is suspended — drove a red Nissan Frontier into Sebring around 10 p.m. with 28-year-old Quinn Lauren Rogers of Avon Park in the passenger seat. McKenzie was not wearing a seat belt, so they were pulled over in the parking lot of the Beef ‘O Brady’s in Sebring.

 

While speaking with McKenzie, detectives could smell marijuana and could also see what appeared to be (and later tested positive for) marijuana in the driver’s door panel. A further search of the car revealed:

 

  • Two clear sandwich-style bags which contained approximately 14.4 grams of a light brown substance which field tested positive for the presence heroin.
  • Two pink jewelry-style bags containing approximately 0.2 grams of a light brown substance which field tested positive for the presence of heroin.
  • One clear plastic container containing approximately 8.2 grams of a white powder which field tested positive for the presence of oxycodone.
  • One clear bag containing approximately 0.6 grams of a clear, crystallized substance which field tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine.
  • One white, cut straw containing approximately 0.1 grams of a white substance which field tested positive for the presence of cocaine.
  • A brown metal container that contained two clear sandwich-style bags contained approximately 7.2 grams of a marijuana.
  • A gray book bag containing two packages of numerous small jewelry-style bags, a plastic strainer and a coffee bean grinder that contained a white substance which field tested positive for the presence of oxycodone.

 

The combined total weight of the heroin was approximately 14.6 grams, which meets the threshold for trafficking in heroin per Florida statute. Also, the approximate 8.2 grams of oxycodone meets the threshold for trafficking in Oxycodone per Florida statute.

 

McKenzie was booked on charges of trafficking in heroin, trafficking in oxycodone, possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and use of paraphernalia to transport drugs.

 

Rogers was charged with trafficking in heroin, trafficking in oxycodone, possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and use of paraphernalia to transport drugs.

 

The investigation revealed that the pair had traveled to Fort Lauderdale to purchase the drugs with the intent to bring them back to Highlands County so they could be sold here.

 

“This was a great job by the Special Operations Unit of quickly acting on information and executing an operation that kept a large amount of very dangerous drugs from making it to the streets of our county,” Sheriff Paul Blackman said. “Any time we can intercept narcotics before they can be sold in Highlands County is a huge win for our agency and the people we serve.”

rogersmckenzie

 

 

Peebles BBQ Dinner for 2 Giveaway!!!

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Peebles BBQ Dinner for 2 Giveaway!!!
Here is your chance to win Dinner for 2 at Peebles BBQ!!!
Peebles is open three days a week, Thursday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Peebles Bar-B-Q is located at 441 Dixie Hwy Auburndale, FL 33823.
peebles-bbq

Call 863-967-3085 for more info.  Catering Available

Peebles is closed during the months of July and August each year.
If you subscribed for a previous giveaway, you are already entered to win.
peeblesbbq4
Enter to win by Subscribing to our mailing list below:

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Winter Haven Police Department 5K Benefiting Special Olympics Florida 2017

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Winter Haven Police Department 5K Benefiting Special Olympics Florida 2017

The WHPD 5k finisher medals have just come in! Check them out!

5kmedal

Only 10 days away. It’s not too late to register!

Click here to register:

http://www.active.com/…/winter-haven-police-department-5k-b…

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