Lake Wales Man Struck By Car & Airlifted For Medical Attention

Lake Wales

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January 31, 2017

Lake Wales Man Struck By Car & Airlifted For Medical Attention

Lake Wales Man Hit On Campbell Ave. — Picture courtesy of L. Espinoza

Lake Wales, Florida – According to the Lake Wales Police Department a 30 Yr old Lake Wales man was struck & injured while walking on Campbell Avenue early Monday evening. The man who has yet to be identified was transported by ambulance to Lake Wales Medical Center and then airlifted to a trauma facility. According to Jody Elrod, spokesperson for the Lake Wales Police Department, the man suffered a head injury of some type.

The accident occurred around 5:30pm. The man who was walking with another man was struck by a sixteen yr. old Lake Wales male driving a tan colored SUV. That driver has also not been identified.

It is unknown exactly how the accident occurred or the condition of the man at this time.

A separate incident involving a pedestrian occurred on Park Ave. approximately an hour and a half earlier. We will have a separate article regarding that incident. We will also update this article as soon as more information is available.

Guns Galore Store In Lakeland Burglarized: At Least 46 Handguns Were Stolen

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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January 30, 2017

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Guns Galore Store In Lakeland Burglarized: At Least 46 Handguns Were Stolen

Guns Galore gun store burglarized again, at least 46 handguns stolen

Early Sunday morning, at approximately 4:00 a.m. on January 29 Polk County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a burglar alarm indicating glass breakage at Guns Galore, 2440 U.S. Highway 92 East in Lakeland. Deputies arrived within three minutes and discovered the front door lock was broken and the glass gun cases within the business were broken. No suspects were located inside the business and no suspects were located following a canine track attempt. Guns Galore has no video surveillance.

At least 46 handguns were stolen from the glass display cases near the front door of the business. Deputies canvassed surrounding businesses for video cameras and requested other business representatives to respond to try and recover possible footage of suspected persons or vehicles. Surrounding districts and counties were notified of the burglary and theft.

“First and foremost, there are at least two dangerous suspects out there who stole nearly 50 handguns and will now use them and traffic them to a bunch of likely violent thugs and criminals who will in turn use these guns to prey on the innocent public to rob, intimidate, hurt, and possibly kill. If anyone saw something, or if you hear something about this crime, please call us or call Heartland Crime Stoppers. We want to find and arrest those responsible for this crime, and we want to recover as many of these guns as possible. Second, retail gun dealers have a moral and ethical obligation to safely secure their firearms inventory from theft. Guns Galore was burglarized before. They broke in with relative ease, as they did again this weekend. Is it too much to ask, Guns Galore, to harden your store and make it a little more difficult for your firearms to be stolen and transferred to the criminal marketplace? We know that determined thieves are capable of going to extraordinary length
s to separate hard working people from their hard earned propertyand the fundamental responsibility of this theft (and others) lies with the thieves who committed the crime. But there must be a special public safety obligation on the part of gun store owners to harden gun stores from theft.” Grady Judd

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives responded to the scene to assist with the investigation and conduct their own full inventory audit of Guns Galore.

Surveillance video from a neighboring business shows a light colored sedan turn onto Peachtree Street and park behind the incident location, where two suspects are seen running to the vehicle and fleeing the area westbound from the incident location. Other video from other businesses in the area also show two suspects dressed in dark pants and dark jackets carrying bags and tools.

Guns Galore was the victim of a business burglary on 12/24/16, where 12 firearms were stolen. The business owner had not installed or implemented any additional security measures after the last business burglary in December 2016.

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BURGLARY WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL HEARTLAND CRIME STOPPERS AT 1-800-226-TIPS or LOG ONTO www.P3tips.com to submit your tip via the web. For a secure and password protected mobile app for your smart device, go to the app store and download the free “P3tips” mobile app. No caller ID, no recorded lines, no tracking cookies, no saved IP addresses. ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED!

Man Wielding Gun & Hatchet Shot By Osceola Deputies

National News

Staff Reporter

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January 29, 2017

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Man Wielding Gun & Hatchet Shot By Osceola Deputies

Osceola County, Florida – Osceola County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Friendly Village Inn located at 2550 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy in reference to shots being fired from room 115. Callers reported three shots being fired from within that hotel room. Deputies arriving on scene attempted to call out the occupants of room 115 and the male occupant of the room, identified as Timothy John Wohlfelder D.O.B. 12/01/1980, opened the door and fired shots at Deputies, before retreating into the room. Timothy Wohlfelder opened the door again moments later and continued firing shots at Deputies across the parking lot in the direction of other hotel rooms, as the Deputies took cover. Timothy Wohlfelder retreated into the room one more time before exiting the room into the parking lot brandishing a pistol in one hand and a hatchet in the other hand. Timothy refused orders given by Deputies to drop his weapons. Due to the Deputies well-founded fear for their safety and the safety of the residents in the motel they fired shots striking the suspect three times.

There was one guest at the motel that was in a room located in the direction where the suspect was firing, that sustained a gunshot wound. That guest being treated at a local hospital and is in stable condition.

Timothy Wohlfelder was taken to Osceola Regional Hospital and is listed in stable condition. He has been charged with three counts of Attempted Murder on a Law Enforcement Officer. The investigation is ongoing, and the additional charges are pending. There were no Deputies injured during the incident. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting the investigation into the Deputy involved shooting.

Home Destroyed By Fire In Auburndale Sunday Morning

Auburndale

Staff Reporter

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January 29, 2017

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Home Destroyed By Fire In Auburndale Sunday Morning

Auburndale, Florida – One person and a dog was found deceased in a structure fire at 1204 Taylor Street in Auburndale. Polk County Fire Rescue and Auburndale Fire crews were dispatched just before 11 a.m. this morning.

Crews were told that one person may have been inside the house, but due to heavy fire conditions, crews were forced to battle the fire from outside before making entry. Once it was safe to enter the home, firefighters located a deceased person in a bedroom.
A deceased dog was also found.

The Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations is investigating what caused the fire. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the death investigation.

3 Car Injury Accident In Frostproof On Hwy 27 Blocking Some Lanes

Frostproof

Staff Reporter

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January 29, 2017

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3 Car Injury Accident In Frostproof On Hwy 27 Blocking Some Lanes

Frostproof, Florida – According to the Florida Highway Patrol an accident is currently blocking 2 southbound lanes of Hwy 27 & CR 630.

According to reports the accident occured at approximately 10:45 am. The accident does involve injuries.

We have no further details at this time.

One North East Polk County Man Dead & Another In Jail For Murder

Poinciana

Staff Reporter

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January 29, 2017

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One North East Polk County Man Dead & Another In Jail For Murder

Kissimmee (Poinciana) man arrested for murder

Poinciana, Florida – Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 29-year-old Daniel Ponce of 423 Mallard Lane, Kissimmee, for stabbing (and killing) 38-year-old Brandon J. Burchett of 580 Finch Court, Kissimmee. Ponce has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon.

According to detectives, at approximately 4:30 p.m. yesterday, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies along with Emergency Medical Services responded to a stabbing at 580 Finch Court, Kissimmee, Florida. Upon their arrival the victim, Brandon Burchett, was located just inside the doorway to his residence, bleeding from apparent stab wounds. He was transported to Poinciana Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 5:15 p.m. Burchett was stabbed with a knife several times in his driveway during a physical altercation with Daniel Ponce. The suspect is a neighborhood acquaintance of the victim.

Based on information gathered by detectives and interviews with witnesses, Ponce rode a bicycle to the front of Burchett’s residence and began yelling expletives at the victim when he came outside. Ponce walked into the victim’s driveway and assumed a fighting position, holding his fists up and in front of him. Ponce then swung at Burchett, which led to a physical altercation. Ponce then retrieved a folding pocketknife from his pocket, opened the knife, and intentionally stabbed the victim in the abdomen area and arm.

Burchett then ran inside of his residence yelling for someone to call 911 and that he had just been stabbed. Ponce fled the area on a bicycle. Detectives learned there had been some kind of argument between the two on January 27th and Ponce was asked to leave Burchett’s residence and that the two had been arguing via text messages. The text arguments led Ponce to Burchett’s residence where Ponce asked Burchett to come outside via text.

After the stabbing, while Burchett was receiving medical treatment, Ponce called 911 and stated he was at the intersection of Herron Road and Herron Court, not far from the scene. Deputies arrived and made contact with the suspect, who advised the deputy he had the knife in his right front pocket. The suspect then admitted to becoming engaged in a physical altercation with the victim and stabbing the victim in the course of the altercation. Ponce said he was in fear for his life and stabbed the victim in self-defense.

Ponce’s criminal history includes battery domestic violence, possession of drug paraphernalia, and traffic offenses.

Ponce was transported to the Polk County Jail where he is being held on no bond

Kiwanis Pancake Festival Saturday January 28th

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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January 27, 2017

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Kiwanis Pancake Festival

kiwansi

Jan 28, 2017
7:00 am – 12:00 pm

Enjoy pancakes for breakfast served by local celebrity chefs while supporting programs benefiting children through the Winter Haven Kiwanis Foundation. The event will also feature gift basket drawings and free entertainment for all ages. Proceeds support programs benefiting children and families in the greater Winter Haven area.

Florida First Lady Celebrates Literacy at Polk Schools

Polk County News

Staff Reporter

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January 27, 2017

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Florida First Lady Celebrates Literacy at Polk Schools

Florida First Lady Ann Scott visited two schools in Polk County this week as our state recognizes Celebrate Literacy Week.

On Jan. 25, Mrs. Scott started the day at Lake Alfred Elementary and then visited Karen M. Siegel Academy. Mrs. Scott let students vote for what book she would read to them, and encouraged them to ask her questions.

For video footage of her visit to Polk County, please visit https://vimeo.com/201197522

For photos of her visit to Lake Alfred Elementary, visit http://bit.ly/2ktgT8S

For photos of her visit to Karen M. Siegel Academy, visit http://bit.ly/2j5ii5o

Mulberry High Officially Names Gym For Beloved Coach and Teacher

Mulberry High officially named its gymnasium for Collins Smith, the school’s longtime athletics coach and P.E. teacher. Mr. Smith serves as a city commissioner in Mulberry and was inducted into the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.

For photos from the ceremony on Jan. 25, visit http://bit.ly/2jtT92Y

Barrage 8 Performs at Bartow Elementary Academy on Jan. 27

A special music performance from Barrage 8 will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, in the auditorium of Bartow Elementary Academy.

Barrage 8 is a high-energy show featuring a wide range of musical styles. The performance will also have a special guest appearance by orchestra students from Polk County.

Bartow Elementary Academy is located at 590 S. Wilson Avenue in Bartow.

Tickets for the show are $10 for adults, and $5 for students. They can be purchased at www.barrage8.com or at the door. For more information, please see the attached news release.

Nominees for Polk County Schools Hall of Fame Accepted Until Feb. 1

There’s not much time left to submit your nominations for the 2017 Hall of Fame. We’re looking for former Polk County Public Schools students who have gone on to distinguish themselves in their careers and communities.

The deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 1. Get more info and see past inductees here: http://bit.ly/1LCol3z

Polk Symposium on Special Education Scheduled for Feb. 25

The public is invited to a day of learning and sharing at the Polk Symposium on Special Education.

This free event will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lakeland High, 726 Hollingsworth Road.

Families of students with disabilities can learn more about resources available to them and ask questions. An expo area will have agencies and vendors present to provide answers and support.

In addition to workshops, visitors can also enjoy lunch, snacks and opportunities to win door prizes. For more information, contact Lisa Miller, Chair of the Polk ESE Advisory Council, at (863) 698-6240 or [email protected]

Man Uses App To Lure Two Polk County Men Into An Attempted Armed Robbery Situation

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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January 27, 2017

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Man Uses App To Lure Two Polk County Men Into An Attempted Armed Robbery Situation

Lakeland, Florida – A Lakeland man is behind bars after attempting to use an App to lure two Polk County men into an attempted armed robbery.

According to Gary Gross, Lakeland Police Department spokesperson, on January 11, 2017 at approximately 7:30 p.m., the victims, James Few and his brother, Joseph Few arranged to purchase a 2006 Chevy Impala that was listed on mobile app letgo. James agreed to meet the defendant, Jarquez Harris, at the Lakewood Terrace Apartments.

After discussing the sale of the vehicle, James Few showed Harris $1000.00 in cash, and agreed to purchase the vehicle. While sitting in the backseat of the victim’s vehicle, Harris pulled a small semi-automatic handgun and pointed it at both victims. Harris demanded the money and counted down from five, but did not shoot the handgun. He then fled on foot without the money, and was wearing a Florida State University maroon sweatshirt.

Lakeland Police Detectives created a letgo profile and began to communicate with Harris about the purchase of a vehicle. Over the course of several days, Harris agreed to meet at the same location, Lakewood Terrace Apartments. When he arrived, Harris was wearing the same distinctive maroon FSU sweatshirt as before and he matched the same general description the victim gave.

Detectives made contact with Harris and he later admitted to the attempted robbery. Harris remains in the Polk County Jail.

Polk State Collegiate High Schools to Host Informational Sessions

Staff Reporter

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January 27, 2017

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Polk State Collegiate High Schools to Host Informational Sessions

Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School and Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School will host informational sessions for current high school sophomores.

The collegiate high schools serve juniors and seniors. Students fulfill high school requirements while also earning college credits. In many cases, students graduate with both their high school diplomas and associate’s degrees. Attendance at the collegiate high schools is free.

In addition to the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degree programs, Polk State’s collegiate high schools also offer courses that lead to industry certification in computer programming and infrastructure, as well as the health sciences. A pre-teaching academy and enhanced STEM curriculum are also available at Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate. Polk State Lakeland Collegiate offers enhanced curriculum programs in leadership and pre-teaching.

The informational sessions will allow prospective students to learn about the application process, meet with current students, tour the building, and receive tips for preparing for the Post-secondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). To be admitted to the school, students must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average (un-weighted and cumulative) and a passing score on the PERT.

Sessions will be held:
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Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School
February 2, 2017, 6:30 pm
February 13, 2017, 6:30 pm
Polk Sate College
Winter Haven Campus, WST 126
For more information, 863.298.6800

Lakeland Collegiate High School
January 31, 2017, 6:30 pm
February 8, 2017, 6:30 pm
February 16, 2017, 6:30 pm
Polk State College,
Lakeland Campus, LTB 1100
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For more information call (863) 669-2322

The application period begins February 1, 2017.

Polk State College operates three public charter high schools, including Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate in Winter Haven, Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate, and Polk State Lakeland Collegiate. All three high schools allow students to fulfill requirements for their diplomas while also earning college credits.

~Soar Eagles~

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