Tire Recycling planned for Lakeland on Saturday, February 18, 2017
February 2017 – Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. will host a FREE Tire Recycling event on Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.(noon) This event will take place at The City of Lakeland Solid Waste Facility, 605 Evelyn Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801. Residents and agricultural land owners may dispose of up to 24 tires per vehicle. Legal hauling limits will be strictly enforced. For questions on limitations, Call Keep Polk County Beautiful, (863) 875-8911, for more information.
This event is held in conjunction with Polk County Board of County Commissioner’s Waste and Recycling Division’s Mobile Collection Events for Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics. For information on Hazardous Waste and Electronic disposal, contact (863)284-4319.
It is a violation of Florida Administrative Code Rules to transport more than 24 Waste Tires over public highways without a permit. Violation of this rule would constitute a 1st degree criminal misdemeanor and be punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000 and/or by 6 months in jail for further information please regarding the handling of waste tires please visit the DEP website http://www.dep.state.fl.us/ .
Lakeland, Florida – Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are investigating a dog attack on a Lakeland Electric employee that occurred this morning at approximately 11:18 a.m. at 941 Fish Hatchery Road, Lakeland. Deputies responded assisting the Lakeland Police Department the address is in the unincorporated area.
The Lakeland Electric employee, 59-year-old Ms. Linda Dionne of Lakeland, activated the emergency button on her radio Lakeland Electric and the Lakeland Police Department attempted to raise Ms. Dionne on the radio, but did not get a response. The Lakeland Police Department responded and asked the PCSO to also respond because it was in the unincorporated area.
When a deputy arrived, he discovered an active dog attack/mauling in progress occurring on the front porch of the home. The deputy was able to get the dog off of Ms. Dionne; the dog then turned on the deputy to attack him. The deputy shot and killed the attacking dog. Another aggressive pit bull type dog was in the yard it later menacingly approached responding law enforcement officers. Two deputies and one Lakeland Police Department shot at the dog. The shots missed the dog and it ran under the house.
The second dog was later safely taken into custody and taken to the animal control facility. It was not injured.
21-year-old Matthew Overton, who resides at 941 Fish Hatchery Road, arrived at the location. He was later arrested and charged with FSS 767.13(2), a 3rd degree felony (when a declared dangerous dog attacks or bites a person, the dog owner is held accountable). Overton was not properly securing the dog and the property was not properly posted.
The pit bull type dog had been declared dangerous by animal control stemming from a June 27, 2016 incident where the dog in question was aggressively menacing a person, biting the pants of a person who was unable to get into the home and had to retreat to a car at the 941 Fish Hatchery Road home.
Ms. Divonne was treated at the scene and transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. She had serious lacerations to both arms and legs from dog bites. She has received treatment for her injuries and is expected to be released from the hospital later today.
“Former Florida Veterans for TRUMP Chair announces bid for Polk County Commission, District 2 (R)”
Veteran, Business Owner… American!
February 10, 2017, (Lake Wales, FL) Veteran, Businesswoman and former Veterans for Trump Florida Chairwoman Kathryn “Kat” Gates-Skipper has filed to run for Polk County Commission. “This past year has reminded me the value in supporting what’s right for our Country. Running for County Commission is simply a culmination of years of service and recognizing the responsibility of giving a voice to the People,” says “Kat.”
Having served many years in the Marine Corps, both Active and Reserves, and being committed to her hometown of Lake Wales, “I decided that service is the best way for me to show the faith I have in our County and People who live here. There are many important issues facing Imperial Polk County and I would like to represent the People of District 2 in ensuring we are heading in a forward fiscally responsible direction,” says “Kat.”
Formal Press Announcement (All Press Welcomed)
WHEN: Tuesday, February 21, 2017, 6:00 pm.
WHERE: Chain of Lakes Complex (Poolside Room)
210 Cypress Gardens Boulevard
Winter Haven, FL 33880
(As part of the Polk County Republican Executive Committee Meeting)
As in the Hymn of the Marine Corps, Kat was born on the shores of Tripoli where she was adopted by an Air Force Colonel and his wife at Wheelus Air Force Base in Libya and became a Naturalized Citizen of the United States at 3 years old. In November 2013, Kat and her Husband were featured in a 2 minute Nationwide Public Service Announcement comparing Obama Care with the troubled VA Medical System drawing a comparison to Nationalized Health Care.
In 2015, Kat’s experience in politics drew the attention of the Trump for President Campaign where she was asked to serve as the Chairwoman of the Florida Veterans for Trump effort. She continues to serve in an Advisory and Voter Mobilization capacity drawing on an array of Grassroots Contacts directed along the I-4 Corridor.
“Kat” owns an Airport Transportation Company, is the Media/Event Coordinator for the American Legion Post/All Veterans Center in Lake Wales, lives in rural Polk County with her Husband Charles, of 12 years, and is the Mother of 4 Children and 4 Grandchildren. With over 4,000 petitions needed to qualify, “Kat” plans to qualify by Petition.
Winter Haven, Florida – An 18-year-old and a 16-year-old have been charged for murdering 67-year-old Donald Merkley, who was found deceased in a January 11, 2017 fire at his home located at 3353 Timberline Road, West, Winter Haven. The State Fire Marshal’s Office initially determined the fire was accidental and likely caused by a small electric heater pending further investigation. Subsequent investigation and interviews with the suspects has determined that Merkley was choked and struck on the head with a baseball bat, and that the house was set on fire to cover up the murder.
18-year-old Jerry Johnsey (412 Diamond Ridge Drive, Auburndale) was charged with 1st Degree Murder, Conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery with a weapon, Tampering with evidence, and Arson. Jonsey was booked into the Polk County jail early this morning and is being held on no bond.
16-year-old Byron Lasiak (4210 Shadow Wood Drive Winter Haven) was charged with 1st Degree Murder, Conspiracy to commit robbery, and robbery with a weapon. Lasiak was booked into the Juvenile Assessment Center and is being held in the Juvenile Detention facility in Bartow.
A 51 year-old woman attempting to park in front of the Fashion and Multi-services Center in Winter Haven hit the gas instead of the brakes causing the vehicle to land almost completely in the store causing approximately $10,000 damage.
There were no injuries in the crash and the airbags did not deploy.
Today at 10:30 a.m., 51 year-old Erlande Lormeau if Winter Haven pulled into the parking lot at 901 6th St NW when in her attempt to park, hit the gas. The 2006 Nissan Altima plunged into the building narrowly missing the manager who was inside.
Lormeau was issued a citation for violation of driving restriction as she only possessed a Florida Learner’s Permit and not having a licensed driver in the vehicle. (A passenger inside of the vehicle, 43 year-old Yolande Pierre-Lormeau does not have a valid driver’s license.)
If your out and about or simply taking a break at home tonight look up in the sky to witness a Sky Watchers Trifecta.
Tonight you will be able to see three astronomical events.
First you will see a full moon, then a Penumbral Lunar eclipse, and if you look carefully around 1-2am you will see a comet with colors of green shining light followed by a purple trail.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office traffic homicide deputies are investigating a crash that occurred at approximately 12:05 p.m. this afternoon at Duff Road and Green Road. The intersection was completely shut down and is now open.
The investigation shows that a maroon Ford pick-up truck being driven by 36-year-old Peter Higgins of Lakeland was travelling west bound on Duff Road and ran through a red light at the Green Road intersection and collided with a south bound white Nissan pickup truck being driven by 55-year-old Scott Davis of LakelandMr. Davis had a green light. 22-year-old Ms. Kimberlynn Hendrix of Lakeland was a passenger in the Ford Pick-up. 84-year-old Mr. Jack Cairnes of Lakeland was a passenger in the white pickup truck.
Mr. Cairnes died from his injuries. Higgins, Hendrix, and Davis have been transported to LRHMCthey are all in serious condition.
Peter Higgins has a serious, extensive criminal history that includes 28 felony charges, 21 misdemeanor charges, 11 unknown level charges, and 1 failure to appear in court. He has been incarcerated in Florida State Prison five times. Deputies have learned that Higgins admitted to a witness after the crash that he had taken methamphetamine this morning.
The crash investigation is continuing with criminal traffic and other charges likely against Higgins.
Peter Higgins
Higgins’ previous charges include: 12/13/2016 – PCSO, Poss Meth, Poss Drug Para; 08/22/2014 – PCSO, Failure to Appear; 07/20/2014 – PCSO, Poss F/arm Ammo by Conv Felon, Poss Meth, Poss Drug Para, Prob Violation; 12/18/2013 – PCSO, Prob Violation; 08/27/2013 – PCSO, DWLSR, Poss Meth, Poss Drug Para; 11/06/2012 – PCSO, Poss Meth, Poss Drug Para, Prob Violation; 09/25/2012 – PCSO, Prob Violation; 11/01/2011 – PCSO, Battery, Prob Violation; 08/28/2009 – FHP, DWLSR; 02/07/2009 – Seminole County SO, Out of County Warrant; 10/06/2008 – Seminole County SO, Prob Violation; 06/12/2008 – Seminole County SO, Prob Violation; 02/23/2007 – PCSO, Resist LEO; 02/21/2007 – PCSO, Leave Scene of Crash, DWLSR; 02/19/2007 – PCSO, Fleeing to Elude; 12/16/2006 – Seminole County SO, Prob Violation; 12/08/2006 – Dept of Corrections, Prob Violation; 02/01/2006 – Seminole County SO, DWLSR (Habitual); 02/18/2005 – PCSO, Viol Probation, Viol Probation; 02/16/2005 – PCSO, False ID Given to LEO; 08/03/2004 – Columb
ia County SO, NVDL; 02/04/2004 – PCSO, False ID Given to LEO, DWLSR, Prob Viol; 08/13/2003 – PCSO, DWLSR, False ID Given to LEO, VOP Florida Parole Commission; 06/24/2003 – PCSO, DWLSR, Poss Drug Para, Poss Drugs w/o Prescription; 06/06/2001 – PCSO, Grand Theft (Vehicle), Fail to Obey LEO Stop; 05/10/2001 – FHP, Fleeing to Elude, Theft Vehicle; 04/08/2001 – Lakeland PD, Agg Assault with Deadly Weapon, Agg Battery; 11/11/1999 – Lake Wales PD, Prob Viol,, Prob Viol; 02/24/1999 – Lakeland PD, Grand Theft Vehicle, Agg Fleeing to Elude, Resist LEO, NVDL; 10/13/1997 – PCSO – JV Charges, Escape; 10/13/1997 – PCSO – JV Charges, Vehicle Theft; 08/07/1997 – PCSO – JV Charge, Escape; 11/15/1995 – PCSO – JV Charge, Vehicle Theft, Agg Battery LEO, Escape; 07/06/1996 – Lakeland PD, Burglary.
“Higgins is a lawless thug. If anyone needs any evidence of the destruction that results from so-called nonviolent drug use, this is it. Methamphetamine and other drugs destroy people, families, and communities. And it often hurts innocent people who have nothing to do with the drug. Our hearts and prayers go out to Mr. Cairnes and his family and to Mr. Davis and his family. We will do everything we can to hold Higgins accountable for this tragedy.” Grady Judd, Sheriff
The PCSO Traffic Unit investigated a single-vehicle traffic fatality that occurred this morning in Lake Wales. Preliminary information so far is as follows:
Around 8:40 a.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017, a 2004 Scion being driven by 29-year-old Tatevik Gagikovna Seyranyan (female) of Winter Haven was heading eastbound on SR 60 near Central Avenue when for unknown reasons it appears the driver lost control while negotiating a right curve. The vehicle slid and rotated, and crashed into a utility pole in a ditch.
The driver’s side of the car impacted with the pole. The driver was seatbelted, however, the car is not equipped with side airbags. The driver was deceased on-scene.
SR 60 eastbound was closed for approximately 45 minutes, and then reduced to one lane of travel for approximately two hours.
It is possible speed and/or distraction were factors. The investigation is ongoing.
BARTOW, Fla. (February 9, 2017) – The public is safer thanks to a grant Polk County Fire Rescue received from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The foundation awarded grant funding for Polk County Fire Rescue to purchase an eDRAULIC Hurst Jaws of Life. The eDRAULIC Hurst Jaws of Life is a set of life-saving, battery-powered tools that doesn’t need hoses or additional power units when freeing trapped occupants in vehicles.
“We became firefighters because we want to help people,” said Polk County Fire Rescue’s Captain Todd Tanner. “Having tools like this help us protect or save those who need our assistance.
The engine the eDRAULIC Hurst Jaws of Life will go on currently does not have extrication equipment on it. Early last year, it was the first engine on scene of a bad motor vehicle crash, where a passenger vehicle had collided with a tree. The vehicle then caught on fire while someone was trapped inside. The crews on scene were able to control the fire, but had to wait for the arrival of another fire engine that was equipped with the needed extrication equipment.
“We plan to equip all of our fire engines with extrication equipment,” said Fire Chief Tony Stravino. “This will improve our rescue capabilities of patients who are entrapped, but finding the funds is difficult.”
An eDRAULIC Hurst Jaws of Life set is approximately $30,000. Polk Fire Rescue currently has 33 engines. “The grant funding we’ve received from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is helpful, Chief Stravino added.
This equipment can also be used to gain emergency access to locked structures when traditional methods will not work. Some examples of this include prying through burglar bars and opening security doors during fires.
In 2005, Firehouse Subs co-founders created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment, and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety organizations. Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has given more than $24 million to hometown heroes in 46 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, including more than $4 million in Florida.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event in Lakeland
Bartow, FL (February 9, 2017) – Polk County Waste & Recycling is encouraging residents of the City of Lakeland to dispose of toxic materials in a safe and environmentally sensitive way at an upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection event.
A Household Hazardous Waste Mobile Unit will be on site on February 18, at the Lakeland Solid Waste Parking Lot, located at 602 Evelyn Avenue in Lakeland, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Representatives will be on-hand to collect small quantities of unused or unwanted waste products such as lawn and gardening chemicals and fertilizers, swimming pool chemicals, paint, household cleaning solutions, motor oil and used gas, batteries, fluorescent lamps, light bulbs and small appliances such as cell phones, computers, etc.
The staff at the event will be offering convenient drive-thru disposal of items so residents won’t have to leave their vehicles. This event is open to all Polk County residents.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office traffic homicide deputies are investigating a crash that occurred at approximately 12:05 p.m. this afternoon at Duff Road and Green Road. The intersection was completely shut down and is now open.
