You’re invited to our open house on how to become a Firefighter-EMT!
Join us at the Winston Creek station (1140 N Galloway Rd. Lakeland, FL 33810) on July 28 between 2-6 PM. You will hear from a panel of PCFR employees who will answer your questions and EMS/Fire schools who can provide additional information on their training process. #PolkFLFireRescue #Hiring #OpenHouse
You must be 18 years or older to attend.
For more information, reach out to Betzi LaCounte at [email protected] or 863-519-7350.
When Mary Anne Embiscuso contracted breast cancer and lymphoma in 2005, her faithful husband Lind Embiscuso dutifully served as her caregiver. He helped drive her and comfort her through her various treatments including chemotherapy and radiation until she recovered.
In 2008, when Lind was diagnosed with lung cancer, Mary Anne returned the favor by serving as his caregiver. Fortunately for him, he did not require chemotherapy or radiation. He simply required the bottom of his lung to be excised.
Later, in 2022, Mary Anne was diagnosed once again with breast cancer; and, once again, Lind served as her caregiver as she went through a second round of radiation therapy.
“I was hers. She was mine. That is what you called a marriage that you do things together,” Lind said.
Aside from serving as each other’s caregivers, both Lind and Mary Anne received assistance from the American Cancer Association (ACS). They even returned the favor by assisting at the organization’s Hope Lodge serving dinners for the guests there.
“I am a lucky person. She is a lucky person. We are both here because we had the backing of the ACS,” Lind said.
Both Lind and Mary Anne attended and spoke at this year’s Relay for Life Polk County event on Friday evening in Downtown Lakeland. They were among the many cancer survivors who proudly walked the first lap during the event, and joined the caregivers in the second lap.
Despite the rain earlier that day, the sun shone brightly to clear the sky for the annual ACS fundraiser. Several participating teams set up booths along the walkway near Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror. Aside from serving food and selling merchandise, each team allowed members to walk laps around the perimeter during the evening.
Relay for Life is the annual ACS fundraiser. According to their website, Relay for Life “is one of the largest peer-to-peer fundraising events in the world. For more than 35 years, communities around the globe have come together to raise funds for a future free from cancer and we have no intention of ever slowing down.”
AdventHealth served as the presenting sponsor of this year’s Polk County event. Susanne Frank serves as an AdventHealth Cancer Care Nurse Navigator who works out of Heart of Florida in Lake Wales. As someone who works alongside cancer patients and their families, she was more than impressed by the turnout that evening, even despite the rain.
“What an inspiration to see you all here,” she said. “My heart is with all of you who have fought the fight, who are fighting this fight. It has been a pleasure caring for you.”
Teresa Bright, ACS Board Member, stressed the importance of their fundraiser. Every year, 1.7 million people are diagnosed with cancer and more than 600,000 die from the disease. Through
the efforts of the ACS, especially through Relay for Life, more people have a chance of surviving and cancer stands less of a chance of winning.
“That is why ACS is fighting cancer on every front,” she said. “Together, we can make a great impact to save lives, and that is why we are here today. Today, we are here to celebrate all who have battled as survivors, remember loved ones lost, and strive for life-saving changes.”
Nearly 300 new single-family homes could be built near Old Scenic Highway in Lake Wales now that a proposed residential planned development project (PDP) has received preliminary approval from the Lake Wales City Commission.
At their meeting on Wed. Jul. 5, Lake Wales City Commissioners voted 3-0 to approve the first reading of an ordinance approving a special use permit for a residential PDP.
The proposed residential PDP would be located on approximately 29.94 acres of land south and west of Old Scenic Highway and east of Scenic Highway North.
As the ordinance summary states: “The project is adjacent to the Duke Energy Facility, directly south of Mountain Lake Estates, and located behind Towerview Motel and Al’s Place.”
At 29.94 acres, the proposed site is expected to contain 300 dwelling units; however, at a calculated 12 units per gross acre, it can contain a maximum density of 359 dwelling units.
The units for the proposed site will be townhouse-style homes. Each unit will be platted, and 68 percent of them will be alley-loaded.
Since being initially proposed to the City Commission on Oct. 25, 2022, The Ridge Luxury Townhomes PDP, formerly known as Bok Estates, has undergone eight revisions with City Staff. The original plan was recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board.
As the summary states: “During this time, the Lake Wales Envisioned efforts were ongoing and City Commission was contemplating the City’s development policy. With additional citizens coming out to speak on the current development trends and decisions made by Commission, the item was continued to the January meeting so that City Commission could make their determination regarding development in the City of Lake Wales.”
City Commissioner Robin Gibson mentioned that the owners were willing to do even more with the site, but the fire marshal “put the brakes on that” for safety reasons.
If approved, the preliminary plat and PDP could help generate more than $380,000 in ad valorem taxes, with $60 million in taxable value at an estimated average of $200,000 in taxable value per unit.
A motion and a second were made to approve the first reading of the ordinance, and the motion passed with a 3-0 vote. The second reading will be held at a future city commission meeting.
A two-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon, July 8, 2023 in Lakeland left one person dead and three others injured.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched at about 1:06 pm, along with Polk County Fire Rescue to Galloway Road North between West 10th Street and Sutton Road. Upon arrival, emergency responders located 62-year-old James Flemming of Plant City deceased at the scene.
Evidence and witness statements revealed a silver 2012 Kia Optima, driven by 34-year-old Javaris Simmons of Mulberry, was traveling east on Galloway Road North. At the same time, Mr. Flemming, driving a white 2010 Ford F250, was traveling south to west on Galloway Road North.
As Mr. Flemming entered the westbound curve, his truck began to slide into the eastbound lane where he lost control. Mr. Simmons attempted to avoid the collision, but the front passenger side of the Kia struck the front of the pick-up truck.
Mr. Simmons and his two passengers were transported to an area hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Excessive speed and impairment do not appear to be factors in the crash. Galloway Road North between West 10th Street and Sutton Road were closed for approximately three hours during the investigation, which remains on-going.
CRIME: GRAND THEFT OF A CELL PHONE CRIME SCENE: PUBLIX, 6075 US 17/92, DAVENPORT POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASE #23-25318
On June 17th at about 8:05 pm, the victim was in the process of checking out in self-checkout when he encountered an issue and spoke with an employee a few feet away, leaving his cell phone at the check-out.
The man in these photos took the opportunity and swiped the man’s cell phone and left.
The cell phone is a Samsung S21.
If you recognize this suspect, or you have any information that could be helpful to this investigation, please contact Detective Hartle at 863-236-3900 or at [email protected].
If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:
CALL 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)
DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
VISIT heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”
DOWNLOAD the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
A very nice photo on this one. Hopefully, it will lead to an identification, arrest, and the victim getting his cell phone back.
CRIME: GRAND THEFT OF A CELL PHONE CRIME SCENE: PUBLIX, 6075 US 17/92, DAVENPORT POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE CASE #23-25318
South Pointe Elementary is being built at 9525 State Highway 653 in the southernmost point of Winter Haven and darn near unincorporated Lake Wales.
Completed Vision Of South Pointe Elementary
The state-of-the-art campus is expected to open in August for the 2023-24 school year, led by Principal Dart Meyers, formerly of Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary.
The cost to build the school is estimated to be between $20 million and $30 million. South Pointe Elementary is located at 0 Old Bartow Lake Wales Road on 39 acres in Winter Haven. The new school is expected to hold 996 students.
South Pointe is a traditional, zoned K-5 public school, and parents in the attendance zone can enroll now.
State-of-the-art campus is expected to open in August for the 2023-24 school year
South Pointe measures approximately 127,000 square feet and will have capacity to serve nearly 1,000 students, helping us keep pace with our rapidly growing community.
Earlier this year a naming survey for the new school, and South Pointe was the most popular choice. The other options were Osprey Elementary, Osprey Landing Elementary and Sensabaugh Elementary — named for the late Effie Reeve Sensabaugh, a longtime educator in Winter Haven.
Fireworks Rock the Ridge on Rockin the Ridge in Lake Wales
by James Coulter
Once again on the Fourth of July, hundreds of people flocked the shores of Lake Wales to watch the night sky light up with fireworks for the annual Rockin the Ridge 4th of July Celebration.
Both Lake Wales residents and visitors gathered in Lake Wailes Park, where they were able to peruse food trucks and vendors, listen to live musical performances, and engage in various activities.
Children were able to bounce around in bounce houses, play lawn games, ride a train, and even splash around in foam.
The main event sparked to life around 9pm with the fireworks, with various red, white, and blue explosions erupting over the lake and reflecting in its water in colorful patriotic displays.
“It has been a great turnout,” said Shay Irvis, Recreational Coordinator. “This event usually brings out a lot of people. We enjoy being able to bring something to the community. We have people from all over the place. We have tons of vendors, tons of activities for the whole family to enjoy. It has been a great turnout. It has been a lot of fun.”
Irvis owes the success to the community. Ever since its inception, the Fourth of July event has drawn in hundreds of guests and residents, all of whom are more than eager to revel in a day of fun, family and friends, and patriotism.
“I think it reflects the city significantly, to get to be able to do all this, it is a great deal,” she said. “I am enjoying seeing all these happy faces. As a city, we can provide free items and food and fireworks for the family to enjoy it. Everyone can enjoy it. It’s not just for some people. It’s for everybody.”
Polk County Sheriff’s detectives have charged husband and wife Joel and Jazmine Rondon, both 33 years old, of Winchester Estates Circle in Lakeland, with aggravated manslaughter of a child, a first degree felony, after the couple left an 18-month-old toddler in a car overnight when they returned home from partying, and the child died while strapped into her car seat in the extreme heat the next day.
Click here to see Sheriff Judd’s comments about the investigation on the PCSO FB page.
On July 4, 2023, the couple went to a Fourth of July celebration in Lakeland with three children under the age of 9 years old, and did not return home until around 3:00 a.m. on July 5th. The pair consumed alcohol and smoked marijuana while at the party. When they returned home, as they began unloading food and items from the car, Jazmine told Joel to bring the female toddler inside while she brought the two other children inside. Joel observed that one of the car doors was open at the time. Joel brought stuff inside their home, and when he went back outside, he saw all four doors to the Hyundai Elantra closed, and assumed Jazmine had gotten the toddler out. He went inside and laid down in bed with his wife. Neither husband nor wife asked each other if they had brought the victim inside. They went to sleep.
Joel woke up around 10:00 a.m. that morning and spent about an hour getting ready for work. Around 11:00 a.m. he asked one of the kids to go “check on the baby” in the bedroom. The child told Joel that the baby was not in the bedroom, at which time Joel began looking around the house for her. He then went outside and looked in the car, which was parked in the driveway in the full sun. Inside the car he saw the victim still strapped in her car seat and unresponsive. He brought the toddler still strapped in her car seat into the house in a panic, and then he and Jazmine drove the child to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. Despite all efforts and cooling her body down, she could not be revived and was declared deceased. At 2:42 p.m. her internal body temperature was 104.4. LRH staff notified law enforcement, and they assumed the investigation.
Around 7:00 p.m. that evening, Joel and Jazmine both submitted to drug screens by the Department of Children and Families; Joel tested positive for meth, marijuana, and alcohol; Jazmine tested positive for marijuana and alcohol.
An autopsy determined that the victim’s cause of death is hyperthermia due to being left in a car, and the manner of death is homicide. Joel and Jazmine were taken into custody on July 6, 2023, and booked into the Polk County Jail.
Joel’s criminal history includes the following arrests and charges:
· September 2003 – arrested by Plant City P.D. for criminal mischief
· December 2005 – arrested by Plant City P.D. for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of paraphernalia – adjudication was withheld
· February & April 2007 – arrested by Plant City P.D. for resisting arrest
· March 2008 – arrested by Plant City P.D. for attempted murder – nolle prosequi
· July 2009 –arrested by Plant City P.D. for resisting arrest
· November 2010 – arrested by HCSO for resisting arrest
· February 2023 – arrested by PCSO on a Lakeland PD warrant for carrying a concealed firearm, possession of meth, possession of paraphernalia
Bartow, Fla. (July 6, 2023) — Bayberry Street at Marigold Avenue in Poinciana has closed for three-weeks of emergency utility repairs and road restoration. The work zone is located just east of the intersection along the Dollar General frontage on Bayberry Street. Traffic will be detoured to Dogwood Court and Lake Marion Creek Drive to bypass closure. Bayberry Street is scheduled to reopen Monday, July 31. Until then, commuters can expect short travel delays, particularly during peak-hour drive times.
Davenport, FL – The Davenport community came together in full force to celebrate the nation’s independence in an unforgettable Fourth of July extravaganza! The event, organized by the City of Davenport took place on July 4, 2023 at Lewis Mathews Sports Complex 400 E Palm Street Davenport, FL and witnessed a record-breaking attendance of patriotic revelers, creating an electric atmosphere of joy and unity.
Families, friends, and individuals of all ages were treated to a day filled with an array of entertaining activities. From pony rides and petting farm to lively face painting and hot air balloon there was no shortage of amusement for the young and the young at heart.
The Fourth of July celebration was an absolute culinary delight, featuring an assortment of mouthwatering food vendors that catered to various tastes and preferences. From traditional hot dogs and hamburgers to delectable BBQ, funnel cakes and refreshing Italian ice the wide selection of delectable offerings left no one hungry. People buzzed with laughter and satisfied appetites throughout the day.
The event’s main stage showcased RedHotRooster who captivated the audience with their melodious tunes and rhythmic beats. Attendees swayed and danced to the music, creating an atmosphere of pure bliss and celebration. The music brought people together. “Great Crowd, great fireworks, looking forward to next year’s4th of July event.” Said Davenport’s City Manager Kelly Callihan.
As the sun set on the horizon, excitement soared to new heights in anticipation of the highly anticipated fireworks display. Spectators gathered in awe as the night sky lit up with a breathtaking array of colors and patterns, choreographed to a stirring patriotic soundtrack. The brilliant display left everyone spellbound, and the resounding cheers and applause echoed throughout the city. One of the highlights of the celebration was witnessing the community’s remarkable spirit of togetherness and patriotism. This Fourth of July brought people from all walks of life, uniting them under the common theme of celebrating the nation’s independence. The event fostered a sense of pride and appreciation for the country’s history and values, reinforcing the importance of coming together as a community.
“This year’s Fourth of July celebration has truly been a testament to the power of unity, fun, and shared joy. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to honor our nation’s independence.”
The City of Davenport extends its gratitude to all the volunteers, sponsors, performers, and attendees who contributed to the success of this remarkable event. It is through their collective efforts that the Fourth of July celebration was transformed into an unforgettable experience, leaving cherished memories for years to come.
