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Lake Wales Live Music Series to Ignite Downtown Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
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Lake Wales Live Music Series to Ignite Downtown Lake Wales

Lake Wales, Florida. (October 31, 2023) – Get ready for an unforgettable series of evenings filled with community spirit, live music, and entertainment in the heart of Downtown Lake Wales. In partnership with the City of Lake Wales and Lake Wales Main Street, the Lake Wales Arts Council is thrilled to present Lake Wales Live.

These events will be hosted on select Friday evenings and will run from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Orange Avenue between Market Street and Scenic Highway. Lake Wales Live aims to bring an outpouring of energy and vitality to Downtown Lake Wales, making Friday nights in the area livelier than ever. An exciting lineup of various musical acts, local food trucks, and a vendor marketplace, aim to show strong support for beloved downtown businesses.

Outta Hand Band

Event Schedule:

– November 10: Kick-off with the Outta Hand Band

– December 8: An enchanting evening of holiday favorites with the Lake Wales Jazz Connection

– January 19: Groove to the tunes of Black Eyed Soozie

– March 15: Experience the magic with The Jam Band

– April 5: Enjoy the sounds of B. Haven

– May 3: Jam with The Gnarbuckles

As the community comes together to bring the transformative Lake Wales Connected designs to life, Lake Wales Live events will serve as vibrant celebrations of resilience, creativity, and determination. These evenings are an opportunity to unite, enjoy the heart of downtown, and show unwavering support for local businesses during this transformative time.

Tommy Frank, Executive Director of the Lake Wales Arts Council, says, “We’re proud to be part of an event that supports our beloved downtown and brings our community together in the most vibrant way. Lake Wales Live is a reflection of our commitment to the Lake Wales Connected project and promoting a vibrant arts community in Central Florida.”

This redevelopment effort is a crucial element of the Lake Wales Connected design, bringing multiple phases of the Park Avenue project to life. While traffic detours may be in effect as the project progresses eastward along the street, continuous access to downtown businesses is a top priority during this construction period.

Jessica Garrett, co-owner of downtown Lake Wales restaurant, The Ranch Taproom & Coffeehouse, expresses her excitement, “Lake Wales Live is a fantastic initiative that will not only breathe life into our downtown during this period of construction, but also bring our community closer together. We, as local business owners, are thrilled about this event and are prepared to provide top-notch experiences for our patrons.”

Parks and Recreation Manager, Stephanie Lutton, of the City of Lake Wales emphasizes the commitment to maintain accessibility to downtown businesses during the construction phase, saying, “The City of Lake Wales has worked diligently to minimize disruptions for downtown business and visitors during this construction period. Sidewalks will never be shut down during business hours.”

Ronni Wood, Executive Director of Lake Wales Main Street, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to revitalizing Lake Wales’ historic downtown and implementing the Lake Wales Connected vision plan, expresses her excitement, “Lake Wales Live is an exciting addition to our thriving downtown. This event encapsulates our vision for an economically strong and diverse core in Lake Wales. We’re thrilled to see our community come alive with this series.”

Heartfelt gratitude is extended to several sponsors including Duke Energy for providing the generators and equipment needed to power this event, as well as Visit Central Florida and the Florida Division of Arts & Culture.

Join us for Lake Wales Live, and let’s make Downtown Lake Wales the place to be on Friday nights. Save the dates on your calendar, learn more and invite friends at https://fb.me/e/1oExVmHh8, and get ready for some memorable moments. We can’t wait to see you there!

*For more information and media inquiries, please contact:*

**Tommy Frank**

Lake Wales Arts Council, Executive Director

Email: [email protected]

**Stephanie Lutton**

City of Lake Wales, Parks and Recreation Manager

Email: [email protected] 

**Ronni Wood**

Lake Wales Main Street, Executive Director

Email: [email protected]

Motorcyclist Killed In Crash On MLK Blvd At Jewett St. In Winter Haven

Carl Fish
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Motorcyclist Killed In Crash On MLK Blvd At Jewett St. In Winter Haven

At approximately 9:18am early Tuesday morning a 911 call came in regarding an accident on MLK Blvd. at intersection of Jewett Street. The accident occurred between a motorcycle and a white Ford Expedition.

Winter Haven Fire Department

A witness went to the man’s aid. According to the witness she prayed with the man and did what she could to help him. Sadly the Polk County Sheriff’s Office advised the motorcyclist didn’t survive.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Winter Haven Fire Department & Polk County Fire Rescue all responded to the scene.

The roadway was shut down for hours, but has now been reopened. More details coming soon.

Polk County Fire Rescue

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Assist Federal Investigation That Seizes 10 Kilograms Of Fentanyl- Enough Overdose 5 Million People

Carl Fish
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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Assist Federal Investigation That Seizes 10 Kilograms Of Fentanyl- Enough Overdose 5 Million People

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

Three Mexican men living in Hillsborough County—two of them in the United States illegally—have been arrested and charged with trafficking in Fentanyl during a multi-agency investigation. Multiple law enforcement agencies collaborated during the investigation resulting in the three arrests and the seizure of 10 kilograms of Fentanyl. The street value of the 10 kilos of fentanyl is approximately $2,500,000.

“10 Kilograms is enough Fentanyl to kill 5 million people if taken in overdose amounts. These drugs are extremely dangerous, and the people bringing them across an unsecure border are evil. Of the three men arrested during this investigation, two are in the country illegally and the Sinaloa Cartel drug trafficking organization is the source of supply for this poison. I am very thankful for our local, state, and national law enforcement partners, including state prosecutors Mr. Haas and Ms. Lopez, for working together to make this a successful investigation.” –Grady Judd, Sheriff

Fentanyl Seized In Polk County Investigation

“Due to the continued refusal of the Biden Administration to address the border crisis he created, states like Florida are forced to pick up the slack,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The fentanyl taken off our streets today is enough to kill 5 million Floridians, and is yet another demonstration of how the federal government has failed to protect U.S. citizens. Thank you to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and all the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe.”

“Enough fentanyl to kill 5 million Floridians made its way from Mexico, across our wide-open border and into our state, but thanks to the great police work by Sheriff Judd and FDLE it is now off our streets—along with the illegal immigrants who were trafficking it. This major drug bust was bolstered by the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication in Florida Program, which we supported during this year’s legislative session. Further proof that Florida continues to lead even while the federal government refuses to do its job, secure the border and keep these deadly substances from killing Americans.” Ashley Moody, Florida Attorney General.

The investigation revealed the seized Fentanyl was illegally brought into the United States from the Sinaloa Mexico region by the Sinaloa Cartel drug trafficking organization to Compton California, to Riverview Florida, and then to Polk County. Those agencies participating in the investigation are: Polk County Sheriff’s Office; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Florida Attorney General’s Office, Attorney General Ashley Moody; Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office; Florida Highway Patrol; United States Customs and Border Protection; United States Department of Homeland Security; 10th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, Brian Haas, State Attorney; and 13th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, Susan S. Lopez, State Attorney.

Arrested during the investigation are:

Juan Manuel Gutierrez Medina; DOB 9/29/1968; 12008 Anderson Drive, Riverview, FL. Charges: trafficking fentanyl over 28 grams. He has a prior arrest in California (Los Angeles) in 2002 for DUI. He is from Mexico and is in the United States illegally. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a hold on Gutierrez-Medina. 

Ruperto Rocha, DOB 9/21/1958; 3417 Ridge Road, Wimauma, FL.Charges: trafficking fentanyl over 28 Grams. His criminal history includes a criminal traffic charge in 1998 in Hardee County; transporting Illegal Aliens, Del Rio, Texas, 1981 (convicted, 3 month sentence); Home Invasion / Armed Violence / AGG Battery, 1989, Belvidere, Illinois; and aggravated battery, Lockport Correctional, Illinois, 1990 (convicted 5 year sentence). Rocha has an unknown resident alien status.

Juan Manuel Contreras Gutierrez; DOB 09/06/1998; 12008 Anderson Drive, Riverview, FL; Charges: trafficking fentanyl over 28 Grams. Contreras Gutierrez’ criminal history includes possession of drugs w/o a prescription, 2021, Marion County; robbery-1st degree & grand theft (convicted, 5 years’ probation), 2018, Los Angeles, California. Contreras Gutierrez is in the United States illegally—he was ordered removed by an immigration judge on 11/19/2020 and deported back to Mexico on 11/23/2020. On 11/28/2020 he was encountered again trying to illegally enter the United States, he was again sent back to Mexico. Contreras Gutierrez re-entered the United States illegally at an unknown time after deportation.

HIDTA Task Force / multi-agency drug trafficking organization investigation 

The investigation was initiated in the month of September, with Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives acting in an undercover capacity working with Florida Department of Law Enforcement special agents. Detectives made contact with a suspected drug trafficker, Juan Manuel Gutierrez Medina, who resides in Riverview, FL. Detectives arranged to purchase large quantities of Fentanyl with Medina. During the investigation, detectives completed drug transactions with Medina, Ruperto Rocha, and Juan Gutierrez Contreras.

At one point during the investigation, Gutierrez Medina was tracked travelling by vehicle to Compton California, and then back to Florida. The Florida Highway Patrol, in concert with the investigation, arrested him in Suwannee County on October 18, 2023, on his way back to central Florida. Detectives met with Ruperto in Bartow on October 12, and he was arrested without incident for trafficking fentanyl. On October 20, detectives met Juan Gutierrez Contreras in Riverview where he delivered 6 kilograms of Fentanyl to undercover detectives. On October 25 detectives arranged to meet again with Gutierrez Contreras in the Riverview area. Working with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, he was arrested and charged with trafficking fentanyl over 28 grams. An ICE hold has been placed on him due to his illegal status. 

The investigation has been conducted with the assistance of the State Financial Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E) Florida Program managed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In 2023, the Florida Legislature established state funding for the S.A.F.E program to conduct investigations designed to combat illegal fentanyl trafficking. The grant provides financial support and assistance for approved fentanyl-related investigative costs, such as overtime, travel, investigative supplies and equipment, and training. 

FDLE Commissioner Mark Glasssaid, “These arrests are the first in Florida using grant money from the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) program. The grant provides money for local law enforcement agencies in fentanyl and drug trafficking investigations. Never has there been a time when shutting down a drug trafficking organization has been more important. While these cases are usually very expensive to investigate, this grant means money won’t be a barrier. Thank you to Governor Ron DeSantis and our lawmakers for empowering law enforcement to work more drug investigations making Florida safer by taking fentanyl and these dangerous drug traffickers off our streets.”

Welcome, World Travelers! Five Nights at Freddy’s is Frightful Fun yet Flimsy

Allison
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Welcome, World Travelers! Five Nights at Freddy’s is Frightful Fun yet Flimsy

Welcome, World Travelers! Five Nights at Freddy’s is Frightful Fun yet Flimsy

by James Coulter

Welcome World Travelers

Hard to believe that the Five Nights at Freddy’s video game is old enough to be considered “nostalgic.” The children who first played these video games when they were first released are most likely older teenagers at the cusp of adulthood. Man, I feel old now!

What started as a small indie video game has since spawned into a massive multimedia franchise with tons of extensive lore and backstory. So, it only made sense that these horror video games would make for a good premise for a horror movie. In fact, before the official movie, several other knock-off films like the Banana Splits and Willy’s Wonderland copied the concept.

Now that the official movie has been released, does it live up to the hype of the now “classic” video games? Or will this film barely survive the first morning of the first day of the work week?

Five Nights at Freddy’s follows the story of Mike Schmidt, a troubled security guard who’s struggling to maintain custody of his younger mentally challenged sister, especially after being fired from his last job. He’s since accepted a new position working the night shift at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, a long-defunct arcade that closed in the 1980s due to “unseen circumstances.”

Five Nights at Freddy’s

However, upon working his new job, Mike discovers his new workplace is haunted by animatronics that come to life every night. Furthermore, he also learns the haunted workplace may also be connected to a series of dreams he’s been having concerning his younger brother, who went missing on a camping trip years ago. Will Mike solve the mystery and learn who or what is responsible for these creepy circumstances?

So, yeah: if you’re expecting a survival horror flick about a security guard fending off against demented animatronics for an entire night shift until it ends the next morning, this movie ain’t it. To be sure, the iconic haunted animatronics play a role in the film, yet the rest of the movie is a muted drama about a troubled young man struggling to hold a job and custody of his younger sister while solving the mystery of his new workplace and his missing younger brother.

Granted, those elements of the movie are still fairly dramatic and provide a psychological dimension to the movie. One aspect of the story involves Mike having recurring dreams about his past, when his younger brother was kidnapped during a camping trip. These dreams also involve several mysterious children characters who quite evidently have a connection with the weird happenings at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza.

The scenes involving the iconic setting and animatronics are creepy, as can be expected. The scenes shot at the abandoned pizza place certainly feel creepy and almost claustrophobic like the games, and the Jim Henson Company did an excellent job bringing the animatronic characters to life.

However, where the film falls flat is with the acting. Most of the actors deliver very flat, almost unmemorable performances. As one reviewer quipped, the side female cop character could almost be called “Mrs. Exposition” for how flat her character came across. And as interesting as the non-pizza place scenes may be at offering another existential layer to the story, they do deviate greatly from the moments that made the video games famous.

I’m not going to lie: while watching this movie in the theater, I fell asleep through it twice. It may have been from the overall dull performance, or it could have been from the exceptionally cool movie theater. Either way, it prevented me from fully appreciating this movie.

Overall, if you have children who love the Five Nights at Freddy’s games to the point where they have most of its lore memorized better than their multiplication tables, chances are, they might enjoy the parts of the movie that emulate the look and feel of the game, but their mileage may vary at the other parts of the movie.

Fair warning: this movie is rated PG-13, and while the blood and gore are at a minimum, there’s still a fair amount of blood, gore, and shocking moments, so parental guidance and viewer discretion are advised. However, if the games don’t give your kids nightmares, I doubt these movies will either.

Drunk Driver Hits FHP Cruiser After Running Red Light On Florida Avenue In Lakeland

Carl Fish
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Drunk Driver Hits FHP Cruiser After Running Red Light On Florida Avenue In Lakeland

Just after midnight, early Monday morning, a Hyundai Accent, was traveling eastbound on US-98 in the inside lane. At the same time a marked FHP Dodge Charger was traveling westbound on US-98, en route to a minor traffic crash. At the intersection of Florida Avenue, the Trooper stopped in the left turn lane and when given a green left turn arrow signal proceeded to turn left. The Hyundai failed to stop for a red traffic signal, entered the intersection and collided with the passenger side of the cruiser. The 51-year-old Lakeland Trooper suffered minor injuries, as did a passenger traveling in in the Hyundai who was identified as a 25-year-old Lakeland man. The driver of the Hyundai,a 20-year-old Lakeland man, identified as Jesus Eduardo Cano Zamora, suffered minor injuries.

Zamora was later arrested by FHP Troopers for DUI, No Driver License, Possessing Open Containers of Alcohol and Running a Red Light.

Road Rage Suspect Arrested After Pulling Gun On Off-Duty FHP Officer & His Family In Auburndale

Carl Fish
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Road Rage Suspect Arrested After Pulling Gun On Off-Duty FHP Officer & His Family In Auburndale



On October 29, 2023 at 3:54 PM an off-duty FHP Trooper was driving on SR-570 (Polk Parkway) near Milepost 18 with family members in his personal vehicle, while off-duty and in civilian attire. Caught in slow-moving traffic, a driver in a red Chevy pickup became agitated and began focusing his attention on the Trooper. As traffic cleared, the suspect drove alongside the Trooper’s vehicle, speeding up and slowing down, yelling and using hand gestures. The Trooper ignored the suspect; however, the suspect slowed again and displayed a compact style firearm, eventually pointing the weapon at the Trooper.

The Trooper contacted the Florida Highway Patrol by calling *FHP and reported the incident. Several FHP Troopers responded to the area, but did not locate the driver. The Troopers then responded to the vehicle owner’s Auburndale residence and located the driver as he returned home. The driver, identified as Matthew Timothy Reiter, 32, was subsequently arrested by the Troopers who located five different firearms. The suspect was placed under arrest, charged with three counts each of unlawful display of a weapon and aggravated assault with a weapon.

Polk County 2nd Degree Murder Suspect Caught After Reportedly Hiding In A Kissimmee Shed

Carl Fish
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Polk County 2nd Degree Murder Suspect Caught After Reportedly Hiding In A Kissimmee Shed

In the early morning hours of Saturday, July 29th, the Davenport Police Department responded to a call in the area of Fuller Street West in Davenport. Officers responded to the neighborhood to find a woman unresponsive in a vehicle. The Davenport Fire Department also responded to the scene and subsequently transported the victim to Advent Health-Heart of Florida Hospital. The victim was declared deceased by medical staff on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 0422 hours. Based upon her injuries, she is believed to be the victim of a homicide.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives assisted the Davenport Police Department by conducting the homicide investigation.

Polk County deputies advised the victim is a 35 year old Davenport woman. A reward was offered for information leading to an arrest. That arrest came this week due to a tip on the location of homicide suspect Demond Lavette Moore, 49. The tip was relayed to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office as the suspect was reportedly hiding out in a Kissimmee shed. Deputies we’re able to apprehend Moore and he has been transported back to Polk County to face trial.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office would like to acknowledge the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and the anonymous tipster who helped bring about Moore’s arrest.

Further details have not yet been released!

Polk True Crime Series – The Diabolical Fatal Poisoning Of Alturas Resident Peggy Carr

Carl Fish
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Polk True Crime Series – The Diabolical Fatal Poisoning Of Alturas Resident Peggy Carr

In 1988 an Alturas woman named Peggy Care was poisoned along with her family. The poisoning would eventually take her life, fortunately she was the only fatality by a sick, twisted & very smart killer named George Trepal. Through outstanding under cover work and coordination between the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Trepal was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of Peggy Carr.

The Murder Of Peggy Carr

 

George Trepal and his wife moved into their home in Alturas, Florida during the early 1980s.  Parealyn and Peggy Carr married in 1988, and Peggy Carr moved into the Parealyn’s home, which was located next to Trepal’s home.  Travis Carr, Parealyn’s son, and Duane Dubberly, Peggy’s son, also resided at the Alturas residence.  In 1988, Parealyn Carr renovated their garage into an apartment, where his daughters, Delena Shiver and Tammy Reed, and his granddaughter, Kasey Bell, resided.  Trepal and the Carrs were involved in a number of altercations, including one incident in which Trepal threatened to kill one of the Carr children.  The Carrs also received an unsigned letter threatening harm to their family if they did not leave Florida.

 

In October of 1988, Peggy Carr began to suffer from a mysterious illness.  She was admitted to the hospital and remained there for several days before being discharged.  After discharge, Peggy’s condition worsened, and she was readmitted to the hospital.  Travis Carr and Duane Dubberly also exhibited similar symptoms and were transported to the hospital.

 

Dr. Hostler suspected thallium poisoning based on the symptoms displayed.  Within one day, thallium poisoning was confirmed.  Peggy Carr’s condition worsened, and she fell into a coma.  She died when life support was disconnected in March of 1989.  Travis Carr and Duane Dubberly remained in the hospital for treatment of thallium poisoning.  Further testing revealed the presence of thallium in other family members, including Gelena Shiver, Kasey Bell and Parealyn Carr.

 

In November of 1989, officials collected samples from the Carr household in an attempt to determine the origin of the thallium.  Tiller tested the residue in several empty Coca-Cola bottles retrieved during the collection of samples.  Thallium was detected in the Coca-Cola bottles.  The lot numbers of the cola bottles allowed police to trace when and where the bottles were produced.  Officials determined that it was impossible for eight bottles containing thallium to end up being packaged together.  Coca-Cola officials claimed that they had not received any other reports of poisoning or threats related to tampering with their product.

 

In June of 1988, the Carrs received a letter threatening that they would all die if they did not leave Florida immediately.  The letter was unsigned.  The prosecution linked Trepal to the threatening letter that the Carrs had received because of comments he made during a police interview.  When officials inquired into why Trepal thought someone would poison the Carrs, he told them to get them to move out.

 

Trepal claimed to accompany his wife to the office every day.  However, the police determined that he either stayed at home or went to his own office each day.  Thus, Trepal had the opportunity to enter the Carrs’ residence because they did not always lock their doors upon leaving the residence.  Also, Trepal had worked as a chemist in an amphetamine laboratory.  Thallium was a by-product of amphetamine production.  In 1975, Trepal was convicted of Conspiracy to Manufacture Methamphetamine.  

 

In order to further investigate Trepal, Special Agent Susan Goreck went undercover.  She attended a “Mensa Murder Weekend” that Trepal’s wife organized under the name of Sherry Guinn.  Trepal wrote a pamphlet for the weekend that described writing a threatening note and then poisoning the recipient of the note.  During this weekend, Goreck had contact with Trepal and learned that he was selling his Alturas residence and was moving to Sebring, Florida or to Virginia.  Goreck arranged to rent Trepal’s home after he and his wife moved.  After paying the rent in money orders, Goreck and a search team went to the home.  In the garage, the investigators found a bottle containing powdered thallium.  After the discovery of thallium, Trepal was charged with seven counts of poisoning.  A subsequent search of Trepal’s Sebring home in April of 1989 turned up chemistry books and equipment, including information about poisons.  Officials also found the Agatha Christie novel Pale Horse, which described using thallium to poison people in a household.  Finally, the police found a bottle-capping machine that could be used to replace the bottle caps of Coca-Cola bottles after the cap was removed to introduce the poison into the drink.

 

Trial Summary:

 

04/05/90          Trepal was indicted on the following counts:

Count I:           First-Degree Murder (Peggy Carr)

Count II:         Attempted First-Degree Murder (Arlie Duane Dubberly)

Count III:        Attempted First-Degree Murder (Parealyn Travis Carr)

Count IV:        Attempted First-Degree Murder (Parealyn Carr)

Count V:         Attempted First-Degree Murder (Kasey Bell)

Count VI:        Attempted First-Degree Murder (Gelena Bell)

Count VII:      Attempted First-Degree Murder (Tammy Carr)

Count VIII:     Poisoning Food or Water (Peggy Carr)

Count IX:        Poisoning Food or Water (Arlie Duane Dubberly)

Count X:         Poisoning Food or Water (Parealyn Travis Carr)

Count XI:        Poisoning Food or Water (Parealyn Carr)

Count XII:      Poisoning Food or Water (Kasey Bell)

Count XIII:     Poisoning Food or Water (Gelena Bell)

Count XIV:     Poisoning Food or Water (Tammy Carr)

Count XV:      Tampering with a Consumer Product

02/05/91 Trepal was found guilty on each count of the indictment.

02/07/91 Upon advisory sentencing, the jury, by a 9 to 3 majority, voted for the death penalty.

03/06/91          Trepal was sentenced as follows:

Count I:           First-Degree Murder (Peggy Carr) – Death

Count II:         Attempted First-Degree Murder (Arlie Duane Dubberly) – 30 years

Count III:        Attempted First-Degree Murder (Parealyn Travis Carr) – 30 years

Count IV:        Attempted First-Degree Murder (Parealyn Carr) – 30 years

Count V:         Attempted First-Degree Murder (Kasey Bell) – 30 years

Count VI:        Attempted First-Degree Murder (Gelena Bell) – 30 years

Count VII:      Attempted First-Degree Murder (Tammy Carr) – 30 years

Count VIII:     Poisoning Food or Water (Peggy Carr) – 30 years

Count IX:        Poisoning Food or Water (Arlie Duane Dubberly) – 30 years

Count X:         Poisoning Food or Water (Parealyn Travis Carr) – 30 years

Count XI:        Poisoning Food or Water (Parealyn Carr) – 30 years

Count XII:      Poisoning Food or Water (Kasey Bell) – 30 years

Count XIII:     Poisoning Food or Water (Gelena Bell) – 30 years

Count XIV:     Poisoning Food or Water (Tammy Carr) – 30 years

Count XV:      Tampering with a Consumer Product – 30 years

Kissimmee Man Booked Into Polk County Jail On 1st Degree Murder Charge

Carl Fish
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Kissimmee Man Booked Into Polk County Jail On 1st Degree Murder Charge

 

On October 20, 2023, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Knights Inn Motel located at 4651 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, in reference to reports of a shooting. Upon deputies’ arrival, a victim was located with life-threatening injuries. The victim was immediately transported to the hospital. Witnesses on the scene informed deputies the suspect fled in a grey truck. Investigation revealed that the suspect and victim were family members, and the incident began as a domestic altercation in the parking lot of a local Kissimmee restaurant.

 

The suspect and victim left the restaurant in the grey truck and, ultimately, were involved in a traffic crash near the intersection of W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway and Bass Road. The suspect fled from the traffic crash in the grey truck and traveled to the Knights Inn Motel, where the domestic altercation escalated, and the suspect attacked the victim. Deputies later located the suspect in the grey truck, and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. The suspect was identified as Alberto Jose Gonzalez-Velazquez (DOB: 11/21/1988) and was later booked in the Polk County Jail for Attempted Murder and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

 

On of October 22, 2023, the victim in the case was pronounced deceased. The Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the manner of death as a Homicide. As a result, Alberto Jose Gonzalez-Velazquez has been charged with Premeditated First-Degree Murder.

More Than 60 Units Participate in Bartow Halloween Parade

Staff Reporter
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More Than 60 Units Participate in Bartow Halloween Parade

by James Coulter

More than 60 units including floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands, and dance troupes marched through Downtown Bartow for the annual Bartow Halloween Parade.

Several local businesses and organizations participated in the parade, including the Bartow City Staff and Chamber of Commerce, several local schools like Summerlin Academy, and even fire, rescue, and law enforcement agencies. Even the honorable Sheriff Grady Judd himself attended with his fellow officers from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The parade started at First Avenue on the east side of town, traveled west along Main Street through the downtown area, and headed south along Broadway Avenue to Mosaic Park.

Awaiting participants and attendees of the parade at the Bartow Civic Center was the second portion of the event, which was the Annual Halloween Carnival. Several dozen vendors offered arts, crafts, and carnival-style games for attendees to enjoy, and food trucks served food and refreshments. Attendees could also participate in a bingo game, cake walk, and costume contest.

Both the parade and the carnival drew nearly a thousand visitors to Downtown Bartow and Mosaic Park. Jennifer Hall, the event coordinator, even mentioned seeing several people setting up their seats earlier that morning to watch the parade that afternoon.

“We [had] wonderful weather [that day], so I [had] great expectations,” she said. “I was driving through downtown earlier this morning, and there was already a bunch of chairs already set up and spaces. So, it is very exciting that a lot of people are excited for the parade.”

For more than 75 years, the annual Halloween parade and carnival have been a traditional holiday staple for Bartow. The event had been organized by the Crickette Club. However, these events were canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic, and once the pandemic ended, not enough members from the Crickette Club were available to host the event.

“Crickette Club did not have the membership,” Hall said. “It takes about 70 or 80 people to pull this off. We got together with the service clubs…We all came together and divided the events and were able to pull off a great carnival last year and this year.”

Hall loves how this annual Halloween tradition draws people together, both from within and outside the city. So, it only made sense for people to come together and host it.

“What I would say it is about the community coming together,” Hall said. “It is a family-friendly fun event, a way to come together and have a good time.”

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