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4th Annual Group Valentine’s Day Wedding At Polk County Clerk Of Courts

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4th Annual Valentine’s Day Wedding

Bartow, Florida – Less than one month to go for courting couples to sign up to tie the knot on the most romantic day of the year!

Beginning at noon on Valentine’s Day, Clerk of Courts & Comptroller Stacy M. Butterfield will be performing the 4th annual group marriage ceremony on the picturesque steps of the Polk County History Center.

“This is one of my favorite days of the year,” Stated Clerk Butterfield, “Here in the Clerk’s office we tend to do a lot of business that isn’t exactly uplifting. Most people don’t look forward to coming into my office, because it means they need to pay a traffic ticket, go to court, or they’re showing up for jury duty. The Valentine’s Day Group Wedding stands out as a very special event for me, for my staff, and for everyone involved. It’s a day filled with joy as 30 couples begin a new and exciting journey together.”

Couples and their guests will then be treated to a reception with light refreshments provided by local sponsors in the vintage 1926 courtroom.

“This is a great opportunity for couples who are looking for a stress-free, relaxing way to get married.” Said Clerk Butterfield, “All the planning has been done for them, all the couples have to do is show up with their marriage license. We handle the paperwork and the planning, and they are free to enjoy their special day together. It’s all the frills with none of the fuss!”

The ceremony is limited to 30 couples, and registration is first come, first serve. Couples may register when applying for a marriage license by visiting any of the three Clerk’s office locations—the Bartow Courthouse, or the Lakeland or Winter Haven Branches—and requesting to get married at the Valentine’s Day ceremony. All couples must have a marriage license by Friday, February 10th in order to participate in the Valentine’s Day wedding.

Couples must both be present to apply for their license, and both must have a valid form of photo ID. Couples must also make sure they know their Social Security Number. The Clerk is waiving the $30 ceremony fee; however standard marriage license fees do apply.

For more information, call the Official Records department at 863-534-4516.

Third Annual “Jeepin’ With Sheriff Judd” Charity Event Set for February 17-19, 2017

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Third Annual “Jeepin’ With Sheriff Judd” Charity Event Set for February 17-19, 2017
 
The third annual “Jeepin’  with Sheriff Judd” Jeep charity event will be held Friday through Sunday, February 17-19, 2017, at Clear Springs Ranch off of Cox Road in Bartow.
 
The public is invited to join Sheriff Judd, PCSO members, and our many gracious sponsors and vendors at this charity event – all proceeds raised will go to Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc.
 
This year a 2012 Jeep Wrangler was donated to the charity by Kelley GMC in Bartow and will be raffled for just $20 a ticket. Only 2,000 tickets will be sold! The drawing will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2017. Visit our website www.jeepinwithjudd.com, and like us on Facebook!
 
Spectators are free and the whole family is welcome to attend! There will be bounce houses and activities for the kids, food and merchandise vendors, and great raffle prizes, including the 2012 Jeep Wrangler! We will have overnight camping again this year, for $20.00 per night.
 
Last year, there were 1,039 Jeeps at this event, and over 3,500 people in attendance; 170 volunteers donated their time, helping raise $95,000 for Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. 
 
WHEN: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, February 17-19, 2017
 
COST: Pre-registration is $60.00, which covers everyone in your Jeep, trail rides, and access to the obstacle course. The deadline for pre-registration is February 8, 2017. After February 8th, registration costs $80.00. All participants will be required to complete a waiver prior to access to the course and rides. Spectators are free – everyone is welcome to attend!
 
 
 
We hope to see you there! Media representatives – video and photo opportunities will be made available. Please contact a PIO for assistance.

Winter Haven FFA Alumni Presents: 2nd Annual Big Bass Blast – In Honor of Bailey Tilley

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Winter Haven FFA Alumni Presents:
2nd Annual Big Bass Blast
In Honor of Bailey Tilley

 

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All proceeds, after payouts will go to Bailey Tilley’s family.

***On-Shore Event*** There will be an on-shore event going on at the Lake Shipp Boat Ramp from 10am-5pm. So, even if you are not fishing in the tournament, you can still come and join us for some fun! We will have music, activities for kids, raffles galore (prizes, baskets, lettery & 50/50) and best of all, great company.

TOURNAMENT WILL BEGIN AT SAFE-LIGHT AND BOATS WILL BE FLIGHTED.
ALL BOATS WILL CHECK BACK IN AT 2:00 PM

For more information contact:
RICCI WOODS, President – 863-307-9101
LISA CRIBBS, Vice President – 863-224-2081

Tournament Information:

**OPEN BASS TOURNAMENT**

Registration is REQUIRED!

Location – Chain of Lakes, Lake Shipp Boat Ramp
Entry Fee – $100.00 per boat (Two Anglers)
Big Bass Pot – $20.00 extra per boat (100% Return)
Start Time – Safe-Light on February 18, 2017
Weigh-In – 2:00 PM on February 18, 2017
*All participants must be checked-in by 6:00 AM on February 18, 2017. Live wells will be inspected prior to start*
**THIS TOURNAMENT IS FOR LARGE MOUTH BASS ONLY**

Rules:

One or two man teams. No trolling or live bait will be allowed.
Respect other boats, 100 yards distance. There is a 3 fish limit, only one fish can be up to 16 inches, all others must be under 16 inches.
1 lb deduction for any fish weighed in dead. One team member must observe weigh-in.
1 lb deduction for every minute late to weigh-in. Total weight will decide the winner.
5 or more minutes late to weigh-in = DISQUALIFIED.
All fish must be returned to the lake.
All 2017 inland fishing laws apply. Entrants fish at their own risk.
Tournament will be rain or shine. Tournament Officials have the final say on disputes.
No refunds will be given. Have fun and know your support is appreciated!

Chamber to Host Winter Haven Business Focus Groups

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The Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce will be hosting community-wide Winter Haven Business Focus Groups on January 31 through February 16. All Winter Haven area business owners are invited to attend, regardless of whether a Chamber member or not.

Through four (4) focus groups, the team from The Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce hopes to hear from business owners about what it is like to do business in Winter Haven and what the advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and challenges are in doing business here.

The Winter Haven Chamber will use this information to help improve doing business in Winter Haven and form the organizations priorities for the coming years. Each focus group will be the same content, with four different dates and locations across the city for business owner’s convenience. RSVP is requested to attend this event at [email protected].

Dates, Times, Locations:

Tuesday, January 31, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. – Chain of Lakes Complex Club Room, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd

Wednesday, February 8, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. – Shergill Grand Conference Hotel, 5665 Cypress Gardens Blvd

Wednesday, February 15, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., Winter Haven Recreational & Cultural Center, 801 Avenue T NE

Thursday, February 16, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. – Blackburn’s Interiors, 1507 Havendale Blvd

Please note: The Chamber of Commerce is a separate 501(c)6 not-for-profit and not a part of the City of Winter Haven government. However they work closely with the City to advocate on behalf of the Winter Haven business community.

Free Hospital Health Fair Set for February 25th at Lake Wales Medical Center

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FREE HOSPITAL HEALTH FAIR SET FOR FEB. 25

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Lake Wales, FL – Lake Wales Medical Center will hold its Spring Into Health community health fair on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. until noon at the hospital.

 

COOKING ON THE RIDGE: DELICIOUS HAM AND POTATO SOUP

Delicious Ham and Potato Soup

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Ingredients
Directions

  • Prep 20 m

  • Cook 25 m

  • Ready In 45 m

  1. Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt and pepper.
  2. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.
  3. Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Serve immediately.

Cirque Italia! Makes A Splash In Lake Wales

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Cirque Italia was the talk of the town after performing for local audiences in Lake Wales this past week.


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The traveling “water circus” was filled with stunning performances and daring stunts that seemed to defy gravity and drew gasps from the crowd.


Acts are performed on a stage which
holds 35,000 gallons of water and it is the 1st official traveling water circus in US.

All acts are
animal free productions which supports performers from all over the world.

Cirque Italia is an Italian entertainment company that brings a performance of European style.
 
It is described as a “vivid, dramatic, and moving experience under a customized traveling tent.”
 
Cirque Italia brings the appreciation of production and circus arts together to create a night to be remembered.
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Kiera Cutts Named Employee of the Month at Lake Wales Medical Center

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CUTTS NAMED EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

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Lake Wales, FL – Kiera Cutts, RN, was named December employee of the month at Lake Wales Medical Center. Kiera is a nurse on the Progressive Care Unit.

 

Here is what a co-worked said in nominating Kiera: “Kiera is a brand new nurse and already shows exemplary commitment to safety and patient care. She is an active part of the PCU falls team and uses positive coaching feedback with her peers to ensure that our falls prevention initiatives are appropriately in place for our patients.  She has been recognized by her patients for her positive and compassionate attitude, and warm smile.

 

“She has quickly won the hearts of her peers, physicians, and patients with her collaboration and communication style. Kiera shows strength in her team work by rounding on her peers to see if she can be of any assistance to them whenever she can. She treats all patients like they were her own family.”

 

Sheriff Grady Judd presented with a Plaque of Appreciation While Speaking to Lake Wales High School Last Week

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Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd was surprised when he was presented with a plaque of appreciation while speaking at Lake Wales High School last week.

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The plaque was presented by LWHS principal Donna Dunson after the conclusion of an address to the students in the gymnasium at the school.

Sheriff Judd, who rarely speaks at high schools, spoke about character and accomplishment and never taking taking no for an answer while trying to achieve ones goals.

Grady Judd is considered one of the toughest sheriffs in the country and is known, among other things, as a leader in the prosecution of crimes against children.

 

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4 Year Old Auburndale Child Succumbs To Injuries After Suffering Gunshot Wound

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Auburndale, Florida – The Auburndale Police Department was dispatched to an unknown medical emergency
at 198 Lakeside Hills Loop, Auburndale, Florida, on Friday night, January 20, 2017, at
approximately 10:11 p.m. Officers arrived at the scene within a few minutes of the call and were initially told a four-year-old boy had hit his head on a table and was badly injured. It became obvious to officers and arriving emergency medical responders that the little boy had a gunshot wound to his cheek.

The victim, identified as Avion Cymani Weaver, a four-year-old black male, was flown to
Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital in Orlando for treatment. He was pronounced
deceased at 11:27 p.m. by hospital medical staff.

The investigation determined that Avion was inside his family’s apartment alone
apparently watching television while his mother’s live-in boyfriend, Demeko Desean
Robinson, a 26-year-old, was outside in the parking lot with friends. Shortly
after 10:00 p.m., Robinson went into his apartment and found Avion injured and bleeding heavily. A couple of neighbors reported hearing what sounded like a gunshot around the
same time. It is apparent that Avion found Robinson’s loaded pistol and while handling it, he accidentally shot himself in the face.

The Polk County Emergency Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call from
Robinson at 10:09 p.m. He was reporting an emergency and requesting an ambulance.
During the investigation, a 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol belonging to Robinson was
recovered from outside the apartment. Avion’s mother, Deja Perry, was not home at the
time of the shooting, but returned just minutes after Robinson called 9-1-1 and
Immediately before the arrival of the first police officer.

Auburndale detectives have been in close contact with the State Attorney’s Office
regarding this case and charges are potentially pending a review of the case once it is completed.

If you own a firearm, it is imperative that you keep it in a safe place so that it cannot be
accessed by children; not just because the law requires it, but because common sense.