The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal collision between a work truck and a bicyclist that occurred Tuesday afternoon, March 28, 2023, southeast of Lake Wales.
Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the crash at the intersection of Walk-In-Water Road and Uncle Joe’s Fish Camp Road at about 12:15 pm.
Upon the arrival of first responders, the victim, 90-year old David Linne of Lake Wales, was found with life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a local hospital but passed away shortly after arriving.
34-year old Mark Byam of Lake Wales was the driver of the white 2015 Ford F350 flatbed work truck that was involved in the crash; he was not injured.
The PCSO’s Traffic Homicide Investigations unit began collecting witness statements and examining evidence at the scene. Their preliminary investigation determined that Mr. Linne was attempting to cross Walk-In-Water Road in an angle from Uncle Joe’s Fish Camp Road to Twin Oaks Place, when he rode into the path of Mr. Byam’s truck in the southbound lane, which had the right-of-way.
Mr. Byam attempted to avoid the collision, but his driver’s side mirror struck Mr. Linne, and knocked him to the ground.
The investigation is ongoing, but at this time, no charges are anticipated.
HAINES CITY- This morning, Officer Nathaniel Moya and Officer Monica Lozano, the School Resource Officers at Haines City High School, received a tip regarding a student with a handgun in his vehicle. Officers Moya and Lozano immediately went to the student parking lot and confronted the student at the vehicle. The officers were able to recover a 9mm Taurus semi-automatic handgun from the vehicle. The student was placed under arrest for Possession of a Firearm on a School Campus and Unlawful Carry of a Firearm by a person under 18 years of age.
Based on recent events regarding school-related shootings, our School Resource Officers are more vigilant in their day-to-day interactions with students and social media posts in an attempt to thwart any possible incidents in our schools. We will still encourage students, parents, guardians, and school personnel to notify the Police Department of any written threats, verbal threats, and possession of any weapons that they are made aware, of that, could possibly harm any of the students or faculty in our schools.
We want to thank the tipster for providing this information today, as the quick actions of our officers, possibly prevented a dangerous situation at the Haines City High School.
Attribute statements to Deputy Police Chief Jay Hopwood.
The Lake Wales Police Department is currently investigating a serious bodily injury crash which occurred on Hwy 27 & Hunt Bros. Rd.
According to reports the crash occurred around 8:10am. It appears a vehicle collided into the rear of a panel truck. The panel truck is white in color. According to readers at the time, fog was thick in the area.
We have no further details at this time. Roadway was blocked and rerouted through Lomgleaf Business Park
When Reggie Baxter of Lennar Homes learned that a local organization needed a place to host their annual hog hunts for terminally-ill children, he did not think twice about donating his own ranch to the operation.
Born and raised in Polk County, Baxter is no stranger to giving away free homes. He already provided three houses to local disabled veterans through Operation Finally Home, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing to veterans and first responders.
He’s also an avid outdoorsman. He loves to fish and hunt in the great outdoors, especially with his grandchildren. He wanted to give terminally-ill children the same opportunity, so he donated his ranch in Haines City, Creek Legacy Ranch, to be utilized for hunts hosted by the South Central Florida chapter of KIDZ Outdoors.
“I have been very blessed in what I do for a living, and we try to give back to the community,” he said. “I have grandkids, we love this Florida life with hunting and fishing. And when Gene approached me about it, it was no question about whether or not we would do it, it was just how we could help to make it better. It was never why we would do it or how we would do it. We were approached with it, we were going to do it.”
Kidz Outdoors is a 501 c3 organization that takes handicapped and terminally-ill children into the outdoors to hunt, fish, and overall experience things they typically cannot do without outside help due to their condition. They have several chapters nationwide, with their national headquarters located in Alabama.
“Nobody makes any money from this organization,” explained Gene Smith, President of the South Central Florida Chapter. “Everything we make goes towards putting these kids out in the woods or out on the water or to cancer research and treatment.”
Kidz Outdoors takes several disabled or terminally-ill children over the weekend on hunting, fishing, and camping trips. Whatever a child wishes to do, the organization facilitates a trip so that they can do it.
Often, these children will go on hog hunts and are asked what they most want to do. Whatever the answer, whether it’s harvesting a buck or landing a big catch, the organization then facilitates another event, especially for that child and does everything for them from providing lodging, travel, pictures, and mounting trophies.
“A lot of these kids are terminally ill,” Smith said. “To know we can change their life for a day, that is our deal. If we can give them one good day where they do not need to worry about hospitals or doctors, they can be a normal kid…they are not a handicapped kid that they are a normal kid.”
Smith has been involved with Kidz Outdoors for the past seven years. He became an advisor after the original board members dispersed three years ago. They had hosted their “dream” hog hunt for the past two years without a fundraiser locally. This year, they started it back up with a full group to raise funds in central Florida.
Previously, they had hosted their hunts in Polk City. Last year they lost the piece of land where they hosted the hunt. He mentioned their predicament to Baxter, who replied by offering to donate his ranch to the cause.
“I told him what we were going through and he stuck his hand out and told him to host the hunt here,” he said. “Our long-term dream was to secure a big ranch like that where we can have the whole event there and do more with the kids. With one handshake, Reggie made that dream come true by offering his ranch to us to use.”
Smith most appreciates being able to see these children, who are often confined to hospitals indoors, being able to venture outside and explore to their heart’s content. Being able to see children achieve such confidence likewise inspires confidence.
“Typically, when we get these kids, many of them have had severe medical issues their entire life, and they are used to knowing their limitations of what they can and can’t do,” Smith said. “So when they come that morning and we tell them they are going on a swamp buggy, and going with dogs to catch a hog and provide meat for their family and see the confidence that builds in them when they can do that, to put it out of their mind that this wasn’t something they could achieve, it is unbelievable the reaction that we get out of these kids because they don’t think they are capable of doing this.”
Kidz Outdoors will be hosting its annual fundraiser dinner in February 2024. To learn more about the organization and its upcoming events, visit their website at: https://www.kidzoutdoors.org/ or South Central Florida Kidz Outdoors on Facebook.
We are not opposed to the plant being built. We are opposed to where it is being built. That shared sentiment over a proposed manufacturing plant was expressed by many Lake Wales residents at a recent city commission meeting on Tuesday.
A 100-acre site located along Hunt Brothers Road near US Highway 27 is currently being considered for a major manufacturing plant. The facility is expected to utilize polyethylene plastic pellets to make plastic pipes often used in stormwater projects.
The proposed plant is expected to utilize both the roadway and train tracks for the transportation of the raw material. Due to its proximity to residential areas, it has raised concerns over potential air, water, and noise pollution, as well as traffic and safety for pedestrians and local children.
The Lake Wales Planning and Zoning Board is considering approving a special use permit, which will allow the proposed plant to be constructed within the designated zoning area. The special use permit had been planned to be approved at previous special meetings, all of which have been canceled and postponed.
One such meeting had been planned for a date in January, coincidentally around the same time as a groundbreaking ceremony for the downtown area revitalization project. Such timing has raised suspicions among concerned residents about the alleged lack of transparency surrounding the project.
Cassandra Richards, a resident who lives near the proposed site, even threatened to file a class action lawsuit on behalf of her neighbors. She claimed the city was prioritizing profit over people, reminding them of the Biblical principle that “the love of money is the root of all evil.”
Richards mentioned several other nationwide incidents involving plant explosions and train derailments that have led to environmental catastrophes for the surrounding residents. She does not want anything similar to happen in her backyard, and she warned the city commissioners that they would be held accountable if they approved the special use permit.
“I keep standing because I am concerned,” she said. ” When it [catastrophe] happens, it is too late, and you will be held accountable. Someone will be held accountable. I am pushing for a class action lawsuit because you have so many people telling you we don’t want it out there. Is it enough to risk human or animal life?”
Another resident, Mary Beth Salisbury, mentioned how nearly 1,000 train derailments happen every year across the country. She does not wish something to happen in that area, especially since it is within spitting distance of several local neighborhoods including Whispering Ridge.
“I am not against the plant, we are against the location,” she said. “There are many shovel-ready sites, but they have not been considered…In conclusion, as you are the artists of how Lake Wales will look in 50 years, look at what you are doing.”
Becky Winecoop, another resident who had spoken at previous city commission meetings, asked why the industrial park had not been considered for the plant’s location, as it has the space and utilities necessary for such a proposed facility.
“I spoke to one of the workers [of a Sebring plant], and he could not believe there will be a plant that large next to dense housing,” she said. “There are so many things that can go wrong. The problems that will arise will be on you.”
Catherine Price, who had also spoken at previous city commission meetings on the subject, reminded the city commissioners that this change will be permanent, and once it is made, they will be obliged to move forward with the project whether or not they have second thoughts.
She also mentioned how the people from Advanced Drainage Systems, which had proposed the project, has met with the city countless times over the proposed plant, but not once had they approached the citizens, especially the residents living nearby.
“You owe them nothing,” she said. “But once we change this zoning, we owe them something. We made the step toward making this facility built here.”
Skip Alford, President & CEO of the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Council, was the only person during public comments to speak in defense of the plant. He had previously taken a tour of a similar plant in Sebring, and he assures people that his experiences there proved that the proposed plant would be safe.
The proposed plant would not create noise or air pollution. Contrary to certain signs against the plant, the facility would not have smoke stacks. He assures people that the other things the plant would bring are jobs and economic development.
As for why the plant has not been considered for the industrial park, he answered that the park only has four available plots, and they are far too small to contain the proposed plant.
“The saddest thing in any town is to dilute the town with lies and hyperbole,” he said. “I hate that lies and untruths have been spread. Just provide the facts to people.”
As it soars toward the sky, my dreams and goals are just as high.”
Those words were shared by a local poet to celebrate the first day of spring at A Blessed Child Preschool in Lake Wales.
On Tuesday, Vivian Loydd, a local poet and the head of the preschool, recited her poem, “Soaring into Spring,” which she wrote especially for the occasion.
The poem told about all of the exciting things that children can do during springtime, including flying a kite. It also taught about the other seasons throughout the year.
“Spring is now. Summer is near. Soon it will fall. What a great year,” the poem read.
Following the poetry recital, children were able to ask questions, mostly about spring and the other four seasons. They then created and decorated their kites during their arts and crafts session.
Vivian was requested by the Early Learning Coalition to write and recite a poem for March to celebrate the season of poetry and welcome the arrival of spring. She has been a lifelong poet who has written countless poems.
In 2010, she published a collection of poetry called “Poetically Speaking.” Vivian has written poetry for various occasions. She once wrote a motivational poem called “I Can” for her son, who is now 41, during a special event at his middle school.
“Being a poet is one of the things that I loved. I didn’t even realize I loved it,” she said. “Everything I write is for a reason. I write about families. I write inspirational. There are so many things that I write about. It usually I can write for someone to write about something they ask me, and I usually write it from the heart.”
Vivian has worked at the school for more than 22 years, having taught many children and their siblings. Her biggest inspiration for her latest poem, especially as someone who runs a preschool, are those children. As someone who specializes in childhood education, you have to love children in order to teach them.
“When something is in your heart, it comes out of your heart,” she said. “To be in this business, you have to be inspired by your children. They inspire you to write. So, I encourage people to write what is in their hearts.”
Beckie Loydd, a teacher at the preschool, and Vivian’s daughter, appreciated having her mother write and recite a poem for her students. Beckie especially loved how the poem served as a
launching board for her students to learn different words, including action, sight, and rhyming words.
“Anytime you need her to write a poem for anything, any holiday, anything that is going on, she is there. She can do it at a drop of a dime. So it was very exciting today,” she said. “They are very excited and having a good time. We are very grateful to have her come out. It was fun and a joy to have them.”
Nancy Moses, VP of Programs at the Early Learning Coalition, which seeks to provide access to early childhood education in Polk County, had requested Vivian write and recite a poem for the first day of spring. Their organization focuses on literacy, so having a local poet and author assist them with that mission proves to be truly a special privilege.
“We are excited that she wrote this poem for us today,” Moses said. “Our mission is to provide quality child care for all ages and all families. So what she is doing is exactly that. She is providing education and care for the little ones.”
Updated Details: Two murder suspects who were being sought by detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office were arrested by Delaware State Police on April 7, 2023. They were wanted for their part in the murder of a 34-year old Benjamin Mason III of Bartow, who was fatally shot while riding a motorcycle.
28-year old Wesley Vazquez Andino and 26-year old Adriana Oyola Del Valle were located and arrested on Polk County Warrants. Vazquez Andino has been charged with 1st Degree Murder (FC), while Oyola Del Valle was charged with Accessory to a Capital Felony (F1). Both were brought back to Polk County on April 24, 2023 and have been indicted by a Grand Jury.
The shooting occurred on March 26, 2023 at around 2:09 pm on Wheeler Street, in unincorporated Gordon Heights northeast of Bartow.
An autopsy revealed that a bullet entered Mason’s lower back, then travelled through his kidney, diaphragm, and lung.
Witnesses were only able to describe a blue Jeep and a short Hispanic male at the scene. That information was developed and eventually led PCSO detectives to the suspects’ shared residence on Chestnut Woods Drive in Lakeland, but they discovered that the couple hurriedly fled from there.
The couple was tracked down to a residence belonging to a relative of Oyola Del Valle in Wilmington, Delaware.
Following her arrest, Oyola Del Valle told a PCSO detective that they had attempted to purchase a dirt bike via Facebook Marketplace, and paid a requested $100 deposit. After paying the deposit, she said the seller hung up on them when they called him again, then blocked their number. The couple went to find the seller of the dirt bike in Gordon Heights. They saw Mason on the same dirt bike and yelled out to him, but Mason drove past them and drove away. Oyola Del Valle said that is when Vazquez Andino fired one shot at Mason, and then they fled from the scene.
Oyola Del Valle also said that her three children were in the Jeep at the time of the shooting.
“Witnesses weren’t able to give much information, but what they did provide was just enough that the PCSO homicide detectives were able to get on the right path toward solving this senseless murder. It was exceptional work by the detectives, but it also illustrates how even the smallest tip can help solve a crime.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
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Update April 25: Sheriff Grady Judd Will brief the media today at 1:30pm on an ambush murder that occurred on March 26, 2023. The shooting occurred on Wheeler Street in the unincorporated area of Bartow a man was shot and killed while riding a motorcycle. The suspect in that homicide (and a woman charged with accessory to a capital felony) arrived back in Polk County last night and were booked into the Polk County Jail. They were arrested on Polk County arrest warrants in Delaware earlier in April. The shooter has been charged with 1st degree murder.
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Original Press Release
A 34-year old man from the Gordon Heights area of Bartow was fatally wounded by a single gunshot Sunday afternoon, March 26, 2023 while he was on a dirt bike, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is still working to identify and arrest the shooter.
At about 2:09 pm, deputies were dispatched to a reported dirt bike crash on Wheeler Street, northeast of Bartow. First responders arrived and discovered the crash victim had a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
An autopsy of the victim on Monday revealed that a bullet entered the victim’s lower right back and traveled through his kidney, diaphragm, and lung.
Witnesses told PCSO detectives they heard at least one gunshot in the area.
“At this early stage of the investigation, we don’t know why the victim was murdered. Somebody out there has information, even the smallest detail that could help us capture the killer. A family has lost a loved-one, and we need to bring his killer to justice.”– Grady Judd, Sheriff
Anyone with any information about this murder should contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200. Anonymous tips can be made to Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477), and if an arrest is made based on a tip, the tipster would be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
HAINES CITY-The Haines City Police Department has been made aware of some videos that have surfaced on social media that depict portions of an incident where law enforcement attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle. The driver knowingly had a suspended driver license and tried to get away from the officer and was subsequently arrested. The driver was in possession of a visible firearm that was later determined to be possessed legally. Portions of the video show the interactions between the suspect and the lone arresting officer on scene. During some of these video interactions, the lone officer is seen utilizing protective actions directed at the suspect as he is trying to take him into custody, and secure the firearm in the driver’s possession. Neither the officer, nor the suspect were injured during the arrest.
Preliminary review of the documents, statements and video reveal the following:
On March 22nd at 11:06 A.M., Officer Justin Vasquez attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a silver vehicle due to a traffic violation of unlawful window tint near the intersection of 16th Street E and Melbourne Avenue. The vehicle driver saw officer Vasquez turn behind him and knowing he was driving on a suspended license, the driver, Miranda Brundidge III, pulled into a business hastily exits the vehicle, runs a short distance and continues to walk away from the vehicle. Officer Vasquez exited his patrol vehicle and pursued him on foot. Officer Vasquez could clearly see the handle of a firearm sticking out of Brundidge’s right front pants pocket.
Officer Vasquez gave loud verbal directives directed at the driver to “get on the ground.” He continued to say this over ten times and the suspect still refused to comply. Officer Vasquez was able to take one of the suspect’s hands and tried to get the suspect’s second hand to secure him with handcuffs. However, the suspect continued to resist, Officer Vasquez was alone, the suspect still had a readily accessible firearm and was continuing to resist so Officer Vasquez executed a take down to attempt to gain compliance, and forced the suspect to the ground.
Brundidge still refused to comply to verbal directives, and would not place his second hand behind his back. Officer Vasquez’s primary objective was focusing all of his efforts to prevent an escalation to deadly force. Once on the ground, Brundidge had his right arm under his body, he still refused to present the arm and hand, and the firearm was in his right front pocket. Officer Vasquez then struck Brundidge’s upper body in an attempt to gain compliance. These actions worked, and he was able to handcuff Brundidge behind his back.
Because Officer Vasquez was able to handcuff him, Officer Vasquez immediately took the suspect off the ground and escorted him to his patrol vehicle. As Officer Vasquez walked Brundidge to his car, Brundidge continued to resist Officer Vasquez by not only tensing his arms and pulling away, but also tensing and pushing away with his legs as they walked. Since Officer Vasquez was alone until he got Brundidge back to his car, he was unable to remove the firearm from his front pocket until back up arrived. As such, he had to keep Brundidge in a transporter position with is arms away from his body.
When Officer Vasquez arrived at his vehicle, his intent was to hold him against the vehicle till back-up arrived and he could safely disarm the suspect. However, the suspect continued resisting and pushed back against the Officer so, Officer Vasquez countered the resistive efforts by aggressively directing the suspect onto the hood of his car which would allow him to maintain control of the still armed suspect, with less effort.
During the time frame that took place at the patrol car, a citizen, who was videotaping the incident, can be clearly heard admonishing the suspect repeatedly to “just chill.”
Brundidge was arrested and charged with driving on a suspended license and resisting an officer. He was also issued two citations for illegal window tint, the reason Officer Vasquez attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Brundidge’s vehicle. Brundidge’s license was suspended for failure to pay court costs.
Brundidge made no admissions to driving the vehicle, in fact he adamantly denied driving the vehicle, despite video to the contrary. His past history consists of traffic violations to include a previous charge of knowingly driving on a suspended driver license.
As with any case involving the use of protective action by a Haines City Police Officer, this incident will be investigated and reviewed to determine if it complies with Florida State Statute and Agency Policies. In addition, although a formal complaint has not been received, the Chief and City Administration have directed that a full administrative investigation will be conducted, and the results will reviewed by the State Attorney’s office.
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Haines City Press Release
Haines City Police investigating Traffic Stop Involving A Suspect Driving on Suspended License Since October
HAINES CITY-Haines City Police Department has been made aware of some videos that have surfaced on social media that depict portions of an incident where law enforcement attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle. The driver knowingly had a suspended driver license and tried to get away from the officer and was subsequently arrested. The driver was in possession of a visible firearm that was later determined to be possessed legally. Portions of the video show the interactions between the suspect and the lone arresting officer on scene. During some of these video interactions, the lone officer is seen utilizing protective actions directed at the suspect as he is trying to take him into custody, and secure the firearm in the driver’s possession. Neither the officer, nor the suspect were injured during the arrest.
Chief Greg Goreck will address the media about this incident at 2:00 PM today.
Hall Of Fame Kentucky Wildcats Baseball Coach, Who Got Started in Lake Wales, Speaking at 1st Baptist Church this Sunday
by James Coulter
Coach Keith Madison started his athletic coaching career as a rookie coach at Lake Wales High School. He would eventually go on to become a head coach at a big Southeastern Conference school and earn a place in the Kentucky Wildcats Hall of Fame.
“Little did I know I would become a coach at a big Southeastern conference and enjoy coaching at that level,” he said. “Now it is nostalgic for me to come back and share those memories and those highlights of my career with the people who helped me get started.”
Coach Madison will be sharing the highlights of his career during an upcoming speech at First Baptist Church of Lake Wales at 10:30 am on Sunday. He will be addressing the LW Highlanders Football team, who achieved the honor of winning the state championships.
Growing up in Kentucky, Coach Madison was drafted to play baseball out of high school in 1969. He played in both the Montreal Expos and Cincinnati Reds organizations making it to the Triple-A level. However, several injuries, including a torn ACL, proved serious stumbling blocks that forced him to end his career as a player.
Thanks to a cousin in the Polk County School System, he was able to o rain a teaching and coaching position at Lake Wales High School. He started as an assistant baseball and basketball coach, then became the head baseball coach in his second year.
Eventually, he had the opportunity to earn his master’s degree at Mississippi State University, where he worked as an assistant coach. He even had the honor and privilege of working under legendary baseball coach, Ron Polk.
Later, he applied to become a coach at the University of Kentucky. He did not assume they would hire a 26-year-old like himself, and yet he served 25 years there until his retirement at age 51.
He spent several years attending mission trips through SCORE International, traveling to the Dominic Republic for humanitarian work. The COVID-19 pandemic halted his trips, and he decided to restructure his ministry to speaking and mentoring coaches. He will be hosting one such speaking gig at First Baptist Church in Lake Wales on Sunday.
The main takeaway he wants young people to take away from his life story and career is the importance of relationships. While modern athletics hyperfixates on individual success, Coach Madison attests that he could not have reached the highlights of his career without the help of other people.
“It sounds like a cliché, but it is so true,” he said. “I have surrounded myself with the right people and coaches and it made all the difference…No matter what career we are in…no matter what, the career itself is important, but even more important are the relationships you build throughout the career. I have come full circle. I started my coaching career in Lake Wales. So here it is all these years later.”
Coach Keith Madison will be speaking on Sun. Mar. 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Lake Wales First Baptist Church, located at 338 E Central Avenue.
Patricia “Lynn” Robarts of Frostproof passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 53 years old.
She was born July 26, 1969 to Jerry and Linda Walker of Frostproof.
Lynn was a lifelong resident of Frostproof. She never met a stranger and greeted everyone with a smile. She was a loving daughter, mother, nana and friend. Anyone that knew Lynn knows she loved her shoes, her purses, the Florida Gators, and Atlanta Braves. Lynn loved her family, her boys, and her grandchildren with all of her heart.
She is preceded in death by her father Jerry Walker.
Survivors include her mother Linda Walker of Frostproof. Sister Lesia White of Frostproof. Sons Travis Jr. (TJ) and wife Jodie of Avon Park, Dustan and Wife Miranda of Babson Park and five beautiful grandchildren Jemma, Jaclynne, Travis III (Tripp), Bentley, and Skylynn Along with many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Lifelong Friends.
To Honor Lynn’s memory the family invites anyone who loved her to celebrate her life on Sunday, March 26th, at The Elliot Barn 1603 Rhoden Road, Fort Meade, FI 33841 from 2pm – 5pm. They ask attendees to wear bright colors in honor of the bright soul Lynn was.
Flower Arrangements be sent to 217 W 1st Street Frostproof, FL 33843
