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UPDATE: DCF Social Worker Booked In Polk County Jail for Trafficking Heroin and Cocaine

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Laymeshia Hicks was booked into the Polk County Jail last night for:

Trafficking in Heroin (no bond until First Appearance)
Trafficking in Cocaine (no bond until First Appearance)
Maintaining Structure for Drug Use ($5,000 bond)
Possession of Paraphernalia ($500 bond)

She has also been placed on a NEBBIA Hold (if inmate is being bonded out, inmate must prove bond is being paid by funds not acquired through illegal means).

Her fiance 31-year old Xzaiveous Scott is still at large.

UPDATE: Laymeshia Hicks turned herself in around 5:45 this evening. She will be booked into the Polk County Jail tonight.

Her fiance 31-year old Xzaiveous Scott is still at large.

They are both charged with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of paraphernalia.

Deputies seek 25-year-old DCF worker and fiancé for drug trafficking charges
Arrest warrants have been obtained by Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives for two Mulberry residents, 25-year old Laymeshia Hicks and her fiancé 31-year old Xzaiveous Scott. They are charged with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of paraphernalia. Hicks was employed by the Department of Children and Families as a Child Protection Investigator prior to discovery of the probable cause established in the arrest warrant. Hicks has since been fired from DCF.
 
The charges stem from an investigation into a reported armed home invasion at their home in Mulberry on Friday, February 17, 2017. Deputies responded to the scene and discovered trafficking amounts of cocaine and heroin in the home.
 
According to two victims (nephews of Scott, a 16-y-o and 18-y-o) who were at home at the time of the armed home invasion (Hicks and Scott were not home at the time), two black male suspects armed with handguns forced their way into the home and ransacked the residence. No one was injured. The suspects then fled in an unknown direction. The suspects are described as follows: suspect one is a black male, approximately 5’11”- 6’01” tall, skinny build, light complexion; he was last seen wearing a camouflage-style sweatshirt and pants, black mask with a skull face, black shoes and gloves; suspect two is a black male, approximately 5’10″tall, husky build, light complexion; he was last seen wearing a red/orange hooded sweatshirt, gray pants, black shoes, black bandana, gray skull cap, and black gloves.
 
When robbery detectives arrived on scene to investigate they searched and found trafficking amounts of cocaine and heroin in the master bedroom. The total weight of the heroin is 68.9 grams and the total weight of the cocaine is 288 grams.
 
Through their investigation, detectives learned that Hicks and her fiancé Scott live in the master bedroom of the home. Two children also lived in the home, Hicks’ 3-year-old child, and Scott’s 16-year-old nephew. Scott responded to the residence during the investigation and later left. Detectives subsequently contacted Scott and Hicks by phone, but they refused to meet or speak with detectives.
 
Arrest warrants have been obtained charging both suspects with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
 
“Laymeshia Hicks should be ashamed of herself-this is the farthest thing I can imagine from ‘protecting children.’ She needs to turn herself in and take responsibility for her actions.”- Grady Judd, Sheriff
 
See below for pictures of Hicks, Scott, and the two home invasion suspects.
If you have information about the whereabouts of these suspects, please contact PCSO at 863-298-6200. Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477), or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. \
suspects
 Suspects 

 hicksscott

Laymeshia Hicks            Xzaiveous Scott
 

Update: CR 630 E Fire – February 20th

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Update: CR 630 E Fire – Feb. 20
 
BARTOW, Fla. (February 20, 2017) – The CR 630 Fire is now 85 percent contained and Polk County Fire Rescue crews are no longer standing by at the scene. On Sunday and Monday, Polk County Fire Rescue did not respond to any events outside of routine patrols in the Indian Lake Estates area.
 
Polk County Fire Rescue station 960, which is located at 6221 Hogan Lane in Indian Lake Estates, has extra staff and a brush truck.
 
The forestry service advised Polk Fire that over the next week or two, unburned tops from fire-damaged trees will begin to fall. This will likely create an after burn and flare-ups. Polk Fire crews are ready to respond should this occur.
 
The Florida Forest Service has mapped the fire to have affected 5,600 acres, but is expecting that number to be greater after another analysis.
 
The Florida Highway Patrol will continue to have increased patrols on State Road 60 and County Road 630. The roads will be shut down if dense fog develops. Motorist should stay alert and drive carefully, especially early in the morning.

Deputies seek 25-year-old DCF worker and fiancé for drug trafficking charges

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UPDATE: Laymeshia Hicks turned herself in around 5:45 this evening. She will be booked into the Polk County Jail tonight.

Her fianc 31-year old Xzaiveous Scott is still at large.

They are both charged with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of paraphernalia.

 

 

Deputies seek 25-year-old DCF worker and fiancé for drug trafficking charges
Arrest warrants have been obtained by Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives for two Mulberry residents, 25-year old Laymeshia Hicks and her fiancé 31-year old Xzaiveous Scott. They are charged with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of paraphernalia. Hicks was employed by the Department of Children and Families as a Child Protection Investigator prior to discovery of the probable cause established in the arrest warrant. Hicks has since been fired from DCF.
 
The charges stem from an investigation into a reported armed home invasion at their home in Mulberry on Friday, February 17, 2017. Deputies responded to the scene and discovered trafficking amounts of cocaine and heroin in the home.
 
According to two victims (nephews of Scott, a 16-y-o and 18-y-o) who were at home at the time of the armed home invasion (Hicks and Scott were not home at the time), two black male suspects armed with handguns forced their way into the home and ransacked the residence. No one was injured. The suspects then fled in an unknown direction. The suspects are described as follows: suspect one is a black male, approximately 5’11”- 6’01” tall, skinny build, light complexion; he was last seen wearing a camouflage-style sweatshirt and pants, black mask with a skull face, black shoes and gloves; suspect two is a black male, approximately 5’10″tall, husky build, light complexion; he was last seen wearing a red/orange hooded sweatshirt, gray pants, black shoes, black bandana, gray skull cap, and black gloves.
 
When robbery detectives arrived on scene to investigate they searched and found trafficking amounts of cocaine and heroin in the master bedroom. The total weight of the heroin is 68.9 grams and the total weight of the cocaine is 288 grams.
 
Through their investigation, detectives learned that Hicks and her fiancé Scott live in the master bedroom of the home. Two children also lived in the home, Hicks’ 3-year-old child, and Scott’s 16-year-old nephew. Scott responded to the residence during the investigation and later left. Detectives subsequently contacted Scott and Hicks by phone, but they refused to meet or speak with detectives.
 
Arrest warrants have been obtained charging both suspects with trafficking in heroin over 28 grams, trafficking in cocaine over 200 grams, possess structure/vehicle to traffic drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
 
“Laymeshia Hicks should be ashamed of herself-this is the farthest thing I can imagine from ‘protecting children.’ She needs to turn herself in and take responsibility for her actions.”- Grady Judd, Sheriff
 
See below for pictures of Hicks, Scott, and the two home invasion suspects.
If you have information about the whereabouts of these suspects, please contact PCSO at 863-298-6200. Or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477), or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. \
suspects
 Suspects 

 hicksscott

Laymeshia Hicks            Xzaiveous Scott
 

Cooking on The Ridge: Habanero Hot Wings

Habanero Hot Wings

Habanero Hot Wings
  • Makes: 12 servings
  • Prep 25 mins
  • Bake 45 mins

ingredients

  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika or sweet paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried cilantro, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground habanero chile pepper
  • 12 chicken wings (about 2 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup bottled hickory barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons peach spreadable fruit or desired fruit preserves (such as peach, pineapple or orange)
  • 1 tablespoon bottled steak sauce or ketchup
  • 1 recipe Dill Dipping Sauce, Celery Dipping Sauce, or Feta Dipping Sauce (see recipe below)
 directions
  1. Coat a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with cooking spray; set aside. In a resealable plastic bag, combine onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cilantro, mustard, chili powder and the 1/4 teaspoon habanero chile pepper; set aside.
  2. Cut off and discard tips of chicken wings. Cut wings at joints to form 24 pieces. Place chicken wing pieces in plastic bag with seasoning mixture. Seal bag; toss to coat wings with seasoning mixture. Arrange wings in prepared pan. Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 25 minutes.
  3. For sauce, in a small saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, spreadable fruit and steak sauce. Cook and stir until the ingredients are blended; set aside.
  4. Carefully brush wings with half of the sauce. Turn wings and brush with the remaining sauce. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes more or until chicken is tender and no longer pink. Serve with your choice of Dipping Sauces and remaining barbecue sauce mixture. Makes 12 appetizer servings.

Dill Dipping Sauce

ingredients

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon snipped fresh dill or 1/4 teaspoon dried dillweed
 directions
  1. In a small bowl combine mayonnaise, yogurt and fresh dill or dried dillweed.

LWMC TO OFFER “DIABETES SURVIVOR SKILLS” CLASS

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LWMC TO OFFER “DIABETES SURVIVOR SKILLS” CLASS

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Lake Wales, FL — “Diabetes Survivor Skills” will be taught on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Hunt Building 2nd floor classroom. This free class is taught by Registered Dietician Jamie Moore, MPH, RD. The class is ideal for those newly-diagnosed with diabetes, those who are struggling with managing the disease, or anyone who just wants a refresher course on managing diabetes.

 

There is no charge for the class, but registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring a guest. To register, call 678-2288.

 

 

Mall Walkers Plans Prize Party

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Mall Walkers Plans Prize Party

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Lake Wales, FL – The Mall Walkers program, sponsored by Lake Wales Medical Center and Eagle Ridge Mall, will hold a prize party on Thursday, March 9, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Food Court area of the mall.

 

During the prize party, Mall Walkers participants are asked to turn in their mileage tracking cards. Mall Walkers tracks each walker’s mileage, and they earn prizes for reaching mileage milestones. Mall Walkers participants tracked 17,360 miles in 2016.

 

The Mall Walkers program, a partnership between Lake Wales Medical Center and Eagle Ridge Mall, encourages active, healthy lifestyles by offering participants the opportunity to walk inside the mall from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and from 10 a.m. to noon on Sundays. All Mall Walkers must enter through the Food Court, and are encouraged to wear their Mall Walkers t-shirts so that security officers know they are part of the program. Participants are encouraged to use their tracking cards to log their mileage each time they walk in the mall to earn prizes, including walking towels, water bottles, movie tickets, and gift cards. Mileage logged and turned in must be walked inside the mall to be eligible for prizes through Mall Walkers.

 

Participants are reminded to check with their physician before beginning any exercise program.

 

For more information about Mall Walkers or to sign up, please call Julie Sing at 679-6802.

PCSO Deputies File Additional Stolen Valor Charge Against Inmate Who Was Arrested Last Month After Second Victim Comes Forward

PCSO Deputies File Additional Stolen Valor Charge Against Inmate Who Was Arrested Last Month After Second Victim Comes Forward
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On Friday, February 17, 2017, PCSO deputies filed additional charges of Soliciting Funds/Misrepresenting Military Service (F-3), and Tampering With A Witness, against Polk County Jail inmate Kyle Barwan after a second victim came forward.
 
Barwan was originally arrested on January 25, 2017, in Hillsborough County on a PCSO warrant, and was later transferred to the Polk County Jail, where he has remained since that time. After seeing news reports about Barwan’s arrest and learning that he was in jail, another female victim came forward. 
 
If anyone else believes they have been victimized by Kyle Barwan, they are encouraged to contact PCSO at 863-298-6200. With his two additional charges, he remains in the Polk County Jail in lieu of $7,000 bond ($5,000 for the first count of Soliciting Funds, and $1,000 each additional count filed on Friday). 
 
The following is an excerpt from his most recent affidavit, and is self-explanatory:
 
Sometime during late September 2016, the female victim met the suspect, Kyle Barwan, on an online social networking site known as Plenty of Fish. The two online chatted and then met in person on a date. Barwan told the victim that he was in the United States Army Special Forces as a Green Beret. Barwan told her that he had just been promoted to the rank of Captain. She noticed that Barwan was wearing a “special forces hat with a flag on it.” Barwan told her that he had a military identification card but he did not show her one. Barwan went on to say that he also works for the CIA as a paid mercenary and that he had several “hits” in the Lakeland area. Barwan told the victim that he had been deployed to Afghanistan and Germany and he spoke other languages. The victim stated she was 100 percent convinced that Barwan was an actual military officer.

Barwan began asking the victim for money to help pay his phone bill, rent, and for food. She stated she gave Barwan approximately $150-$200 to help him out, still under the impression that he was a military officer. Barwan then asked for $60 to buy an online Microsoft program that he needed for his assignment in the military. The victim took Barwan to the GameStop in Lakeland and gave him $60 for the online program to help him with his duties in the military.

The victim stopped talking to Barwan near the end of October 2016 as she felt he was lying to her. Barwan continued to call and text her, which she ignored. One day, Barwan sent the victim a text message stating; “Fine don’t want to answer than I’m going to your house” followed by another message that read, “See you there.” The victim replied to Barwan’s text “Stay the [expletive] away from my house.” Barwan then replied with a winking face emoji and “You’ll do what? Call the police ha lol good luck with that you’ll find out that im way too connected” followed by another message stating “See you soon.”

The victim told deputies she wanted to contact Law Enforcement because she was scared of Barwan’s intimidation.  She stated because Barwan stated he was “connected” it placed her in fear of retaliation. She contacted Law Enforcement on 02/15/2017 after learning that Barwan was in jail.

Deputies obtained Barwan’s Report of Separation and Record of Service from the Army National Guard of Kentucky. Barwan enlisted in the Army National Guard of Kentucky on 03/20/2007 and was discharged on 01/22/2008 at the rank of Private 2nd Class, which is the first promotion most enlisted Soldiers can earn after completing basic combat training. Barwan was discharged for failure to meet medical procurement standards and his character of service is listed as “uncharacterized.” An uncharacterized discharge from the military is an entry-level separation issued when the enlisted person has fewer than 180 days of service. Deputies completed a Request Pertaining to Military Records, SF180, and sent it to the National Personnel Records Center. Deputies received a response stating no other Military records were located. These records prove that Barwan is no longer affiliated with the Army/Army National Guard, is not an Officer, was never deployed, and was never injured in the line of duty.

Barwan violated F.S.S. 817.312 by misrepresenting himself as a member of the United States Army while soliciting and obtaining charitable contributions from the victim. PCSO previously arrested Barwan on 01/25/2017 for the same charge with a different victim.

Barwan violated F.S.S. 914.22(E) by knowingly intimating the victim in an effort to hinder her from contacting Law Enforcement. 

ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE SENT ON 01-26-2017: On Wednesday, January 25, 2017, PCSO deputies obtained an arrest warrant for 27-year-old Kyle Christopher Barwan of Glen Road in Lakeland for Soliciting Funds/Misrepresenting Military Service (F-3). 
 
FSS 817.312 – Unlawful use of uniforms, medals, or insignia.– (1) A person may not misrepresent himself or herself as a member or veteran of the military or wear the uniform of or any medal or insignia authorized for use by members or veterans of the military which he or she is not authorized to wear while soliciting for charitable contributions or for the purpose of material gain.
In December 2016, PCSO received a tip from someone who read a blog about Barwan impersonating military officers. During the investigation, deputies learned Barwan has previously been arrested and charged federally for impersonating an officer in the military, in two different states (Kentucky and Illinois). Barwan befriended a Polk County woman online, and told her many lies about his military service while also soliciting money from her “to benefit one of his fellow soldiers who was injured in the war.”
 
Barwan was taken into custody in Plant City on January 25th, and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail on the Polk County warrant. He will be transferred to the Polk County Jail at a later time.
 
“Lying about being in the military to steal money from someone is not only egregious, it’s against the law. It’s also a slap in the face to all the fine men and women across the nation who have served in our country’s military with honor. Kyle Barwan is a disgrace.”Grady Judd, Sheriff

Fiddlers Ridge Winery Gift Basket Giveaway

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Fiddlers Ridge Farms and Winery produces seven different wines, all hand-crafted using only Florida fresh and local ingredients. The lineup includes honey, peach and of course, their most noteworthy blueberry wine.
The Farmer family invites you to stop by and sample their wine at their wine-tasting bar and maybe pick-up a gift basket for friends or family.
Fiddlers Ridge Farms and Winery is located on the west side of US Highway 27, in the Longleaf Business Park, approximately two miles south of State Road 60 at 1750 Longleaf Blvd. Suite#4 in Lake Wales Florida.
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They’re open Tuesday thru Saturday from 11AM to 6PM
For more info call (863) 676-8200 or email at [email protected]
On Behalf of Fiddlers Ridge Winery and Dailyridge.com, here is your chance to win a Wine Gift Basket from Fiddlers Ridge Winery!!!  Enter to win by Subscribing to our mailing list below:

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2017 Winners of The Lake Wales Art Festival

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2017 Lake Wales Arts Festival Winners

John Canterbury  Best of Show  $4,000  Photography

David Hunter  Presidents Award Exceptional Work $2,500  Graphics & Printing Making

Jeff Eckert CB&T Award Exceptional Work   $2,500  Drawing & Pastels

Robert Copeland  Award of Excellence $1,000   Photography

Trent Manning   Award of Excellence  $1,000   Mixed Media

Marilyn Rackelman   Award of Excellence  $1,000  Sculpture

Clovis Rusk  Award of Excellence  $1,000  Oil & Acrylic

Jeff Ripple  Award of Distinction  $500  Oil & Acrylic

Collin Margerum  Award of Distinction  $500  Drawing & Pastels

Roly Ray Reel  Award of Distinction $500  Mixed Media

Paul Stevens  Award of Distinction $500  Photography

Kenyatta Ray  Award of Distinction $500 Mixed Media

Scott Anderson     Award of Merit  $300  Wood

Karen Owens  Award of Merit  $300  Graphics & Printing Making

Emmauel Maldonado   Award of Merit  $300  Clay & Porcelin

Adam Pourciau  Award of Merit  $300 Photography

Debbie Stillman  Award of Merit  $300  Jewelry

Winter Haven Police Investigating Dead Body Found Sunday Morning 

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Death Investigation

Updated 11:10am 

Winter Haven, Florida – According to Jaime Brown, public information officer with the Winter Haven Police Department, a deceased person has been found this morning. The area police are conducting the investigation is Roselawn St.

According to a witness at the scene the body was located around 6am this morning. The body is of a male.

The investigation is ongoing at this time. Brown advised at this it apears the death is of natural causes.

We will update this article as soon as more information is available.