Lake Wales, Florida – A week ago a the Lake Wales Community was apprised of the reinstatement of commissioner Kris Fitzgerald, by Governor Ron DeSantis. As reported then, Fitzgerald was acquitted recently on all charges of interference with the custody of a child. Those charges stemmed from an incident Fitzgerald was accused of in early 2021. In a strange twist a formality is not permitting Fitzgerald take back her seat even with the reinstatement by the governor.
According to information released at tonight’s Lake Wales City Commission meeting, Fitzgerald has moved from her previous residence and no longer resides in Seat 4 area.
Deputy Mayor Gibson spoke on the matter of the reinstallation of suspended Commissioner Kris Fitzgerald. She was reinstated by @GovRonDeSantis last week. However because she has moved out of Seat 4 during her suspension so she has vacated that seat.
— City of Lake Wales (@CityofLakeWales) May 16, 2023
Fitzgerald was at the commission meeting and spoke:
Comments and Petitions: Kris Fitzgerald said voters want her to serve. She said she had her life disrupted. This did not remove her from Lake Wales. She will pursue this issue as far as possible to reclaim her seat.
— City of Lake Wales (@CityofLakeWales) May 16, 2023
Citizens also came to Fitzgerald side in support of her returning:
Juanita Zwaryczuk, resident, spoke in favor of restoring Kris Fitzgerald to seat 4. A way can be found if the Commission wanted to.
— City of Lake Wales (@CityofLakeWales) May 16, 2023
Charlene Bennett, resident, spoke in favor of seating Kris Fitzgerald to seat 4. The City Commission breaks rules all the time. They should give leeway here
— City of Lake Wales (@CityofLakeWales) May 16, 2023
Michelle Threatt, resident, spoke in favor of seating Kris Fitzgerald. She should be given time to move back to her seat/district
— City of Lake Wales (@CityofLakeWales) May 16, 2023
Terry Christian, property owner, said the Charter does not reference a suspended commissioner. We should give Fitzgerald some time to move back.
— City of Lake Wales (@CityofLakeWales) May 16, 2023
New commissioner had a few words on the matter also:
Commissioner Thompson said certain scenarios are not anticipated when rules are written. He doesn't see a way forward to allow Fitzgerald to serve as Commissioner
— City of Lake Wales (@CityofLakeWales) May 16, 2023
Commissioner Thompson said we need to communicate about these things better to the public
— City of Lake Wales (@CityofLakeWales) May 16, 2023
Commissioner Williams also spoke:
Commissioner Williams said the City Commission is not at fault that Kris Fitzgerald cannot be seated. He asked City Attorney Galloway if there is anything the Commission can do. Galloway said no, Charter is controlling
— City of Lake Wales (@CityofLakeWales) May 16, 2023
Deputy-Mayor Gibson said he doesn’t know how to change something that is self-executing as this provision that causes a Commissioner to vacate their seat. He suggested giving Fitzgerald to the next meeting to find a way to keep her seat with her attorney.
This is a ongoing situation and we will update as more information becomes available.
Tyler doesn’t have an easy life living in a family of success stories. His mother is a doctor. His father is a lawyer. His older brother went to college on an athletic scholarship. And his younger brother always makes the honor roll. Yet the only success Tyler ever had was with video games.
With the start of a new school year, Tyler hopes to turn his luck around. He aspires to make the team and make the grade. He even made friends with the new girl in town, Amber. Will she be able to help him achieve the same success as the rest of his family? He’ll need to overcome temptations from some real losers at school to do so.
*****
Recap:Tyler really wants to make something of himself this school year. He’s determined to join the baseball team and ace his upcoming algebra test. Problem is, he’s not very good at math. So, he’s recruited the help of the new girl, Amber, to tutor him during study hall. Temptation arises when an old friend, Hannah, informs him of someone who has the test answers. Tyler refuses to cheat and chooses instead to study hard. Will his integrity and determination pay off?
*****
Chapter 6: Tests, Allies, Enemies
After practicing for nearly a week, Tyler had significantly improved his batting swing. Once more, he stood inside the batting cage to test his luck. This time around, he landed more hits, though he still made plenty of misses. Once more, the machine launched a ball, he swung his bat, and—
“Hey, Tyler!” a familiar voice called out to him.
Missed!
Amber stared back at him through the netting. The loud hum of the pitching machine came to a stop, and Tyler set down his bat.
“Amber,” he greeted her through heavy breath. “Hey! What are you doing out here?”
Amber jabbed a thumb to the arcade building. “My Dad decided to treat Chelsea and I to a night out. We just wrapped up a game of mini golf, and now Dad and Chels are inside playing a round of skeeball.”
“Interesting he would take you two out on a school night,” Tyler replied.
Amber shrugged. “He works irregular hours and shifts. Now was the best night he could schedule something like this, before it gets too cool outside. And you?”
Tyler leaned against his bat. “Baseball tryouts are tomorrow, and I wanted to blow off some steam after today’s math test.”
“You seem like a pretty good player,” Amber said.
Tyler put a hand on his hip. “Thanks. But you need to be better than pretty good to make the team. Hey, have you ever played in a batting cage before?”
Amber shook her head. “I never learned to play baseball.”
Tyler held the bat out to her. “You want to give it a try?”
Amber shrugged her shoulders with a smirk and opened the cage door. “Why not.”
Tyler handed her the bat. She held it over her shoulder and faced the batting machine.
“Do I hold it like this?” she asked him.
Tyler pantomimed the proper way to hold it. “Just raise your hand a little higher—yeah, that’s perfect. Now, keep your eye on the machine and wait for the light.”
He dropped a token into the slot, the machine revved up, and the lights flickered. Tyler once more pantomimed holding a bat.
“Now,” he told her, “the key to landing a hit is to hold it nice and steady and—”
Amber swung and hit the ball clear across the cage. Both she and Tyler blinked in astonishment.
“Whoa!” Amber exclaimed.
“Huh?” Tyler added. “Lucky first try. Not sure if you’ll be as lucky as—”
With another pitch came another hit from Amber, giggling in sheer glee.
“Nice.” Tyler said with a chuckle. “Third time’s the charm.”
Amber swung, missing the ball by several inches as it slammed into the netting.
“Aw!” Tyler uttered through a laugh. “Seems like your luck ran out.”
“This is kind of fun,” Amber said.
“You sure you never played before?” Tyler asked. “Maybe you should try out for the team.”
Amber shook her head. “Thanks, but no thanks. I’m not a fan of sports.”
A sharp wolf whistle made them both crane their necks toward the netting. Tyler rolled his eyes when he saw three familiar faces peering through it.
“Yo, Tyler!” T-Man said with a chortle. “You and your new girlfriend out on a date?”
Amber blushed in response. Tyler’s face also turned red, though not in embarrassment.
“We’re, uh, we’re not dating,” Tyler stammered.
“Like, you must be the new girl, Amber,” Katie said through a giggle.
“Yeah,” Amber replied. “I think I’ve seen you three around at school. And you—” she pointed at Hannah. “You’re in our study hall period. Sorry, forgot your name.”
“That’s okay.” Hannah chewed a wad of gum. “Names are a social construct anyway. It’s a futile attempt to give people meaning in a meaningless universe.”
“So,” Tyler interjected. “What brings you three out here?”
T-Man clapped his hands so loudly it drew the attention of everyone nearby.
“Just wanted to go an invite you two to a party tomorrow night,” he said, flashing two peace signs. “It’s gonna be ballah!”
Katie nodded. “Yeah, like, T-Man is going to be playing with his band and everything. And all the popular kids are totally going to be there.”
“I’m going, too,” Hannah added. “I’ll be in my usual spot: in the corner with a drink in hand contemplating the existential dread of my life.”
“In other words,” T-Man said, “it’s going to be the main event of the century. So—” he pointed to the other two, “you two in?”
Amber cocked an eyebrow, uncertainty clear on her face. “Isn’t tomorrow a school night.”
T-man chuckled and shrugged both shoulders. “Yeah, but who cares?”
“Well…” Amber clicked her tongue. “I would have to ask my Dad, and he’d probably say no, but—”
Tyler held up his hand, his glance steady on T-Man. “Is there going to be adult supervision?”
“Well,” T-Man quickly glanced in either direction. “My parents are going to be home.”
“I know your parents,” Tyler replied. “They’re real loose. Just because they’re at home doesn’t mean they’ll be supervising. And what about drinks? What are you having there?”
T-Man sucked in breath. “You know: soda—and a little something extra.”
“Yeah,” Tyler replied. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to pass.”
“Same here,” Amber added. “Even if I wanted to go, my Dad wouldn’t let me.”
Katie snorted. “You two still do what your mommy and daddy want you to?”
“The nuclear family,” Hannah said, “is a social fiction invented by capitalists to get us to conform to upper-class white bourgeoise hegemony.”
T-Man could only blow a raspberry and swat his hands. “Ah, well, when you two want to get down with your bad selves, just hit me up at my place tomorrow. You know where I live, and you’re always welcome.”
When the three walked away. Tyler blew a sharp breath and picked up his bat.
“Losers,” he said under his breath. “Am I right?”
Amber cocked an eyebrow at him. “That’s kind of harsh. Rather mean, too.”
Tyler inserted a coin and the machine warmed up. “You heard them. They’re hosting an unsupervised party with alcohol.” He hit a ball that launched at him. “They’re total losers.”
“Well,” Amber said, “obviously, they’re not good, but—”
“But what?” Tyler swung and missed. “It’s bad to call them what they are? A spade’s a spade.”
“Look,” Amber held up her hands, remaining calm. “I’m not condoning anything they’re doing, and I wouldn’t exactly associate with them, but—you still shouldn’t go around judging people like that.”
“Why not?” Tyler swung and hit. “You don’t know them like I do. If you did, you’d understand why I don’t want anything to do with them.”
“Okay, and you’re right to do that,” Amber replied. “But—you know, my momma used to tell me all the time: never go pointing fingers at people, because you only end up pointing three fingers back at you.”
“Yeah?” Tyler asked, before taking another swing and a miss. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means,” Amber answered, “people only go around judging other people for their faults as an excuse not to look at their own. You know, tend to your own business before poking your nose into others’.”
“Oh?” Tyler turned briefly to place a hand on his hip before returning to his game. “And what, exactly, are the faults I’m trying to ignore? I’m not a slacker like T-Man.” Swing. “Or an airhead like Katie.” Swing. “Or a cynic like Hannah.” Swing. “And I’m not as bad as any of them.
Amber folded her arms with a stern look but maintained a calm composure. “No, but you are awfully hard on yourself. And you’re hard on others. And I think it’s only because you’re so hard on yourself.”
Tyler missed one last time and threw down his bat. “I’m only hard on myself because I know I can be better. No one wants to be friends with a loser.”
“That’s not true,” Amber replied. “I want to be friends with you. And you’re not a loser.”
Tyler stood with arms akimbo.
“Okay.” He returned his glance at her, steadying his breathing to calm down. “So, why are you friends with me?”
“Because,” Amber bit her lip and thought for a second. “I guess I’m just a loser as well, and we losers need to look out for each other.”
Silence passed between them.
“I have to get back to Dad and Chels, now,” she told him as she opened the gate to exit. She closed it behind her and made sure it was secure. “If you need someone to talk to, I’m always available to listen.”
She waved as she walked away. Tyler waved back, then picked up his back and inserted another coin.
###
“Tyler’s Journey” is a side-story to the fantasy novel, “The Light Prince Grail.” The story follows Tyler’s life before he and Amber ventured into the fantastical world of Arden. It details his many personal struggles and how they influenced his decisions in the novel. His story will help readers learn more about themselves as they do about him.
“The Light Prince: Grail” and “Tyler’s Journey” are available in paperback and e-book on Amazon. For more information, visit the author’s website at: jcalexandre.com
J.C. Alexandre will also be one of the participating authors at the inaugural Writer’s Block Part and Street Fair, to be hosted on Sat. May 20 in Downtown Bartow. Feel free to visit him and pick up a copy of his books in-person. For more information, visit their website at: bartowcon.com
Nefi Jenkins started life humbly as the daughter of missionaries. However, following their untimely murder, she discovers that not all was as it seems. She learns her parents were part of a bigger conspiracy, and now it was up to her to unravel the mystery that fell into her lap.
In East of Evil, the fourth and final installment of the Compass Crimes series, Nefi inherits a ten-million-dollar trust from her deceased parents—only to discover that a good lion’s share has gone missing. Will she locate the missing funds? And who or what is responsible for its disappearance?
Written by local author Joni M. Fisher, the Compass Crimes suspense series is an epic tale that effortlessly combines suspense and mystery with a healthy amount of faith. After all, when it feels like the whole world is after you, it helps when you have someone looking out for you.
“Combining the elements of a police procedural and a suspense thriller, Fisher tics all the boxes for a compelling crime novel that keeps readers turning pages to the satisfying conclusion,” one person wrote at U.S. Review.
Fisher received her first check for writing by winning a poetry contest at age 16. Since then and before, she dreamed of becoming a writer. Her family encouraged her to pursue a career as a journalist.
Her pursuit led her to the University of Indiana, well-renowned for its excellent journalism program. During her four years there, she worked as a reporter for the college newspaper. She covered the theatrical arts beat, which entailed writing reviews of the latest performances.
“It was fun,” she said. “I had free tickets to go to everything from opera to magic shows and plays and rock concerts and I was able to review them. My other colleagues were hot and bothered about work reporting the NCAA sports. I really loved theater so much more, and that is what I was able to do.”
After graduating college and working for several years as a professional journalist, Fisher decided to leap from the world of non-fiction to fiction. The transition proved rather tricky, as it involved her unlearning many of the skills she learned as a journalist.
“In journalism school, they beat point of view out of you,” she said. “Basically, my editor said, ‘If you want your opinion, I’ll ask you for it.’ Otherwise, the training is about being objective. Presenting both sides of an issue. Getting good quotes and being impartial and letting your reader decide about the issue…It is tough for me because you do not go into it with a point of view, and I was not ready for that.”
Fisher decided to develop her own point of view by writing a monthly column. By writing in first-person, she was able to flesh out her own personal writing style, preparing her to write her own point of view through fiction.
“So, then I started working on a novel,” Fisher said. “Even then, it was hard to work in my point of view. And from that, to do that, I drew from my theater classes. Getting inside the character’s head, work around and see where it goes from there.”
Her Compass Crimes series has earned her acclaim, winning awards through national and state contests. The hardest part for her was figuring out which category to submit her work under. While her books count as thrillers and suspense, they also contain plenty of Christian themes about faith and courage.
“In the publishing world, if your character has any faith, your book is labeled as a religious book or a Christian fiction,” she explained. “But Christianity is part of my character. It is not how I want to set the tone. It is part of who they are…To me, my characters demonstrate how their faith is tested, and what they do about their crime. They are not waiting around for a man to save them. They have to go out and find out themselves and put themselves at risk to see what is going on and bring somebody to justice. So, for my characters to have faith is part of their personality and part of who they are, and it is what drives them to do the hard thing instead of the easy thing.”
Her next big story will be about an art appraiser uncovering a money laundering scheme in the art world. Fisher takes special enjoyment in writing that, as she has been working closely with a context expert as a consultant on the project.
“If you look in the news, it [these types of crime] happens all the time,” Fisher said.
East of Evil debuts on May 7, 2023. Pre-orders are $1.99. The price goes to $5.99 in May. For more information, visit her website at: https://jonimfisher.com/
Polk County is becoming the fastest-growing county in Florida. In the past three years alone, more than 80,000 new residents moved to the county. That number is equal to the combined population of Winter Haven, Lake Wales, and Dundee, or roughly two-thirds of the population of Lakeland.
Some people are moving to Polk County to retire. Others are seeking better jobs and lower taxes. Sheriff Judd has talked to many new residents, and they have told him that they moved to Florida to escape the rampant crime waves of the cities up north.
“Not a week goes by that someone doesn’t say, ‘I moved to Florida to get away from the crime.
I want to feel safe and be safe,’” Sheriff Judd said. “Well, you can feel safe because you are.”
However, Sheriff Judd has important advice to newcomers seeking the safety and security of Polk County: don’t vote the same way they voted up north.
“We welcome you with open arms, and we are glad you are here,” he said. “But do me a favor: don’t vote the way the majority of people voted in the state that you came from, or else we will have here what they have there because all of that is a policy decision.”
Sheriff Judd shared this advice during a Chamber Power Luncheon, hosted by the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce at Vanguard School on Wednesday.
Currently, Polk County is experiencing a record 51-year-low crime rate. The crime rate in Polk County is about 1.1 crimes per 100 people per year. The state of Florida’s is about 2 crimes per 100 people per year. In stark contrast, many other cities have crime rates between 12 to 20 per 100 people per year, Judd claimed.
Sheriff Judd owes these all-time lows due to their “tough-on-crime” approach to law enforcement. Unlike other states and cities, Polk County takes crime seriously. They do not allow criminals to walk away with a slap on the wrist. If someone commits a crime, Sheriff Judd and his deputies ensure that the person sees a jail cell.
For example, Sheriff Judd recalled a domestic incident involving visitors from up north. When his deputies arrived on the scene, the culprit pushed passed one deputy and punched the person who had called. His deputy then introduced the culprit’s face to the ground before loading him into a patrol car. When informed he was going to jail, the suspect complained that this wasn’t how things were handled in New York City.
“Sire, look around,” the deputy told him. “Do you see the Empire State Building? We’re not in New York City. We’re in Polk County.”
In contrast, Sheriff Judd mentioned an incident in another city where a woman had called the police about a man trespassing in her backyard. The officers arrived, escorted him to the front
yard, and gave him a citation before driving away and leaving him standing in her front yard. Before they left, the woman asked why they were leaving the man at her house. The officers replied it was against the law to put him in jail.
“They moved him from her backyard to her front yard,” Sheriff Judd said. “She did not feel safe.”
Before closing, Sheriff Judd told the audience that, if they wanted to see crime rates remain low, they needed to vote for people committed to keeping it low by properly enforcing and supporting local law enforcement. They needed to vote for the “right people” on the local, county, and state levels.
“I thank you that you put the decision-makers in place to make the right decisions at the right time,” he said. “So, pat yourself on the back and say we deserve the best police services in the nation and the people we hire do it the right way.”
Sheriff Judd shared his powerful message at the Chamber Power Luncheon on Tuesday. The event was hosted by the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce at Vanguard School. The event presenting sponsor was Atlantic Blue Capital, the table sponsor was Low Payment Kings, and the supporting sponsor was Shield Medical Group.
Ellis Hunt Jr., Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission, likewise commended the Honorable Sheriff and his team for making Polk County a safe place to move and live. He boasted how residents can “take for granted you can dial 911 and help is minutes away” all through the hard work of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
David Dlugokecki, Chairman of the Lake Wales Chamber, boasted about how many new people were planning on moving to Florida, and how the city of Lake Wales was planning the right way for this growing population. He owed this population and economic growth to the safety and security provided by Sheriff Judd.
“It is no secret that people are fleeing big cities and finding a safe place to raise children,” Dlugokecki said. “Thank you, Grady. People who come here like hearing what a safe place to live. With you and your team, that is important to us.”
On Monday, May 15, 2023 at approximately 1:18 p.m., the Lake Wales Police Department responded to a traffic crash on U.S. Highway 27 at Washington Avenue involving three vehicles. Upon arrival, Officers found that a 2008 white Chevy panel van had rear-ended a 2019 Nissan Sentra, pushing the Sentra into a 2021 Chrysler Voyager. The driver of the Chevy was Thomas Wulff, 75 of Lake Wales was unconscious and not breathing. Officers removed him from the van and began rendering aid until Lake Wales Fire and Polk County EMS arrived on scene.
During the investigation, Officers learned the Chrysler and Nissan were stopped at the red light in the inside lane for southbound traffic on U.S. 27. Witnesses said the Chevy was southbound in the same lane and struck the Nissan from behind, never slowing down. Witnesses said they saw Mr. Wulff weaving within his lane earlier in the area of the Eagle Ridge Mall. They tried to get his attention and stop him but said he appeared to be having medical issues. They said he was slumped forward and would not respond or acknowledge them. They said the only reason he did not run through the red light at the intersection was due to the vehicles he struck.
Jazmia McDonald, 20 of Avon Park, was the driver and only occupant of the Nissan. Fernando Valladares, 38 of Miami, was the driver of the Chrysler. Also inside his vehicle was his wife and child. None of the occupants sustained serious injuries.
Mr. Wulff was transported to Advent Health Lake Wales where he was pronounced dead. Mr. Wulff was wearing his seatbelt and did not have any visible significant injuries, leading law enforcement to believe his death may have been the result of a medical episode. This is an ongoing investigation. If you have any information regarding this crash, please contact Detective Michael Waldron at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223, ext. 2046.
The Traffic Homicide Unit from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal crash involving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), Saturday evening north of Lakeland.
The crash was reported to the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) at about 9:00 pm on Saturday, May 13, 2023, and deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the crash scene on Wildlife Trail.
35-year old Roger Tyer, Jr. of Lakeland was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, but succumbed to his injuries.
According to the preliminary investigation, Mr. Tyer’s green 2023 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV flipped over and landed on top of him.
The 911-caller found Mr. Tyer about 30-minutes after the crash, still pinned under the ATV, and life-saving measures began.
Mr. Tyer was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
On Saturday May 13, 2023 at approximately 10:55 P.M. A traffic crash was reported on Chalet Suzanne Road, just west of Dinner Lake Shores subdivision in Lake Wales. Emergency personnel including Lake Wales Police, Lake Wales Fire Department and Polk County Emergency Medical Services arrived and located a female victim that had been struck by a vehicle.
Lake Wales Traffic Homicide Investigators learned that just prior to the crash the victim, Lataysha Rene Kelly, 27 of Orlando had been driving west in a 2015 Nissan Altima on Chalet Suzanne Road, accompanied by Donald Dixon 34, also of Orlando.
The two were having a verbal argument when Kelly stopped the car in the west-bound lane of travel. Dixon got out of the vehicle and started walking east along Chalet Suzanne Road. Kelly then turned off the vehicle and got out, leaving it unattended in the roadway with no lights on and followed Dixon.
A cable repair employee in the area saw Kelly’s vehicle parked in the roadway with no lights on. The employee used the spot light from his work truck to illuminate the car so other drivers would see it and avoid a collision.
At the same time, a 2003 Toyota 4-runner driven by 68 year-old John Stealy of Lake Wales was traveling east on Chalet Suzanne Road passing by the repair truck and the Altima. As Stealy passed, he did not see Kelly or Dixon walking in the roadway. Stealy’s Toyota then struck Kelly, who was thrown from the roadway.
Kelly was transported to a local hospital where she died from her injuries.
If you have any information regarding this crash please contact the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223. Or, if you would like to remain anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers, call 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) or**TIPS from your cell phone. You can also visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit a Tip”, or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet to provide information.
A fatal two-vehicle crash occurred in Dundee Saturday night, May 13, 2023, after a motorcyclist drove the wrong direction on the highway.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the crash scene on US 27 at about 7:58 pm.
60-year old Garry Restifo of Lake Wales was identified as the driver of a black 2001 Harley Davidson Electra Glide motorcycle. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital but passed away a short time later.
The other vehicle involved was a black 2010 Dodge 2500 pickup truck, driven by 24-year old Jesus Palafox-Luberto of Avon Park. Mr. Palafox-Luberto and his four passengers suffered no serious injuries.
The PCSO Traffic Homicide unit assumed control of the investigation and began collecting evidence and witness statements.
In the early stage of the investigation, detectives have determined that the crash occurred on the southbound side of US 27, north of the intersection with Dundee Road.
Mr. Palafox-Luberto’s truck was traveling southbound when he noticed the motorcycle driving toward him. Both drivers swerved to avoid impact, but still collided.
The truck then struck a curb which caused the vehicle to roll over onto its roof.
All occupants inside of the truck were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash and an infant in the truck was properly secured in a car seat.
Mr. Restifo was not wearing a helmet prior to the crash.
Polk County Fire Rescue and Florida Department of Transportation also responded to the scene.
The on-scene investigation lasted for about four hours, but the investigation is ongoing to determine why Mr. Restifo was driving t
Update 2: LAKELAND, FL (May 15, 2023) – Lakeland City Police Detectives are providing an update on recent developments regarding the deceased infant found in the dumpster on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Preliminary findings from the Medical Examiner’s office indicate the full-term infant was born deceased, never taking a breath, and had a severe brain deformity. The initial results do not indicate homicide or that foul play caused the infant’s death.
After releasing photos of persons believed to have information related to the case, a 34-year-old female came to the police station to speak with detectives. During her interview, she was cooperative with detectives and admitted giving birth alone outside her residence during the early morning hours of May 10, 2023. She told detectives she was unaware she was pregnant before giving birth, stating that she only had minor symptoms and believed she was just getting sick. The female said that she did not go to the hospital afterward because she was in the country illegally and didn’t want to get in trouble, nor did she have any money to pay the medical expenses. She admitted putting the infant’s remains in the dumpster later that same evening.
After consultation with the State Attorney’s Office, Brusela D’Enstachio-Lugo has been charged with violating F.S.S. 497.386 (Storage, preservation, and transportation of human remains), a Misdemeanor of the First Degree (M1). A complaint affidavit has been filed for a Summons To Appear to be issued.
DNA was collected from the female to compare with the deceased infant’s. The Department of Homeland Security was contacted regarding immigration status and provided information on the case.
This remains an open and active case as results from additional forensics tests are in progress
——————- Update 1 ——————
Remains of newborn fetus found in dumpster. Sought for questioning
LAKELAND, FL (May 12, 2023) – Lakeland Police Detectives are seeking the public’s help in identifying persons who are believed to have information related to the deceased newborn infant found in a dumpster yesterday. On Thursday, May 11, 2023, at approximately 6:03 a.m., officers responded to a reported deceased newborn found inside a bag in a dumpster located behind the businesses at 3625 South Florida Avenue.
Sought for questioning
If you have any information that may help identify the persons shown, please contact Detective Neal Robertson at 863.834.6971 or [email protected].
Persons wishing to make an anonymous tip can do so at Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida by calling 1-800-226 TIPS (8477, via the website https://www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com or through the free “P3tips” app.
K Tenee grew up among an eclectic ensemble of musicians, from gospel singers, blues musicians, and radio disc jockeys. So, it’s no surprise that her musical style is an eclectic combination of various musical genres.
One could almost say her brand changes as much as she does, which is a sentiment she expresses through her newest single, “Brand New Me.” In her latest song, the local R&B artist crones about how much she wants the world to know she’s a brand-new person.
“The lyrics in that song…inspires so many people,” she said. “It was inspirational without them even knowing they could relate to it in their own world without them even knowing what it meant to them. So, I think it is a global message that a lot of people in all walks of life will be able to enjoy and appreciate.”
K Tenee’ will be performing her greatest hits at the upcoming Jokes n Jamz 5, to be hosted at Wales Pointe Restaurant in Downtown Lake Wales on Fr. May 19. She will be performing among various other musicians and comedians for a truly unforgettable evening.
Ever since she was young, K Tenee’ was surrounded by various great musicians. Her extensive musical background inspired her to pursue a career as a musician, though her budding talent proved to be quite surprising even for her musical family.
She pinpoints her trajectory toward her musical career at age three. Her older sister recalls the story when young K Tenee’ learned a popular song her family regularly played on a vinyl record. She learned the song simply by listening to it. Her ability to sing it by heart shocked and excited her family.
“From then on, they always told me they knew I had a special gift,” K Tenee’ explained. “So I think because I was blessed and fortunate enough to be around people who appreciated entertainment in the music industry just in this raw form, I was able to be inspired pretty easily and [I] just got involved. Everything I could think of, I wanted to be a part of it if it had anything to do with music…That was my biggest inspiration: just being around people who loved music.”
Tenee’ listened to everything from Prince and Tina Marie to Whitney Huston and Michael Jackson. Her family would listen to such great musicians so often that she could not help by pick up on their musical style and incorporate it into her own. She also received classical training as an opera singer, which allowed her to perform at many different cities across Florida. Her performance proved so exquisite that she was called the “Young Cathlene Battle.”
She has since risen into the shining star she is today. She regularly performs at venues across Central Florida and Polk County, and she has released two singles—including her most recent, “Brand New Me.” Her popularity has grown on social media, including her Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and her songs have received incredible hits on musical platforms like Spotify.
“Here [on social media] her musical and entertaining ambitions continued to grow, aided by the sounds of old-school jam sessions that she shares during live streams, occasionally belting out her favorite throwback ballads, simply captivating the views for hours,” her website states.
K Tenee’ has performed many times at Wales Pointe in Lake Wales, and she will perform there once again at the upcoming Jokes n Jamz 5. She learned about the quaint eatery while visiting the small town. After having a great meal and stirring up an even better conversation with the owner, Tiffany Davis, she discovered a venue that match her own “southern sassiness.”
“She [Tiffany Davis] walked up to the table and began to share some of the things she wanted to do for the community…and I fell in love with her goals and her vision for the community,” K Tenee’ said. “I am from Polk County, and I am very attached to it personally. So I wanted to perform there just to be part of history, just to be part of what she was doing, and I wanted to bring something to the table. She loves my music. She loves my style…and told me she would love to have me here. I could not wait to do it.”
K Tenee’ will perform at Wales Pointe during the Jokes n Jamz 5 on Fri, May 19. To learn more about the event, visit their website at: http://www.djbushentertainment/events.
To learn more about K Tenee’ and her music, visit her website at: https://ktenee.com.
K Tenee’ was recently interviewed on the “Chattin on the Ridge” podcast. Listen to the podcast episode on Spotify: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/2uHp9lhSIzb
