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Local Moving Company Offers Moving, Delivery, Assembly, Loading and Junk Removal Services

Allison
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<em>Local Moving Company Offers Moving, Delivery, Assembly, Loading and Junk Removal Services</em>

Local Moving Company Offers Moving, Delivery, Assembly, Loading and Junk Removal Services

By Allison Williams

We all know that sometimes life happens. We make changes throughout life and sometimes that includes a move. Moving can be hard work and stressful. Why stress yourself out when you can get trusted help?

No Stress Moving & Delivery is a local, full-service moving company. They service all of Polk County. On top of moving services, No Stress Moving & Delivery also provides these services:

  • Delivery & Assembly Services
    • Let the team not only delivery your new furniture, but they will arrange it for you too.
  • Loading & Unloading Services
    • The team will load and unload every box and possession of yours without you having to lay a finger on them. Sit back and relax.
  • Junk Removal Services
    • Heard of Spring cleaning? Now is the perfect time to take advantage of this service and start decluttering your home or even your business. 

Phillip Vitelli, owner of No Stress Moving & Delivery created the business around three years ago. He has always enjoyed helping others.

“I have been in the furniture business for over 12 years and I enjoy moving furniture, traveling and meeting new people,” Vitelli said.

MOVING

No Stress Moving & Delivery offers both in-state moving and long-distance (out of state moving) services. The trusted team will carefully pack all of your items into their moving trucks and drive them to your new home or business. They strive to ensure your items make it safely to their destination. 

What is considered a long-distance move? If you plan to move outside of the state of Florida, this is considered long-distance. Call today to inquire about moving charges. 863-605-8417.

DELIVERY & ASSEMBLY

Looking to have your newly purchased furniture delivered to your home or business? You guessed it. No Stress Moving & Delivery can help. The team will deliver your furniture in Polk Country with efficiency and care. If you have furniture purchased that is not yet assembled, the team can also assemble upon delivery. 

*Same-day deliveries available upon request.

LOADING & UNLOADING

Picking up boxes and heavy items can be not only stressful, but also hard on the body. Trust the No Stress Moving & Delivery team to provide these services. They pad and protect your items for you.

*Minimum of two hours for loading & unloading services.

JUNK REMOVAL

Old appliances? Old furniture? Old random items? Now is the perfect time to declutter. As we head into Spring, let No Stress Moving & Delivery handle your cluttered items and haul them away. Then you can truly focus on an easy Spring clean in your home or office.

If you have questions or want to inquire about any of the services No Stress Moving & Delivery provides, call today! 863-605-8417.

For more information, visit their website https://nostressmovingdelivery.com

Detention Deputy Charged With Grand Theft & Fraud From Polk County Sheriff’s Department

Carl Fish
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Detention Deputy Charged With Grand Theft & Fraud From Polk County Sheriff’s Department

Polk County Sheriff’s Department Press Release

A former detention deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office has been arrested by the PCSO, after an investigation determined he had stolen thousands of dollars by falsely claiming overtime hours that he did not work.

33-year old Bruce West, Jr.was arrested Thursday, March 23, 2023 at the Central County Jail in Bartow where he was assigned, after he admitted to the Sheriff’s detective that he had falsified time cards.

The investigation showed that West had falsely claimed overtime hours resulting in a total of $15,357 of unearned money being embezzled by West.

“It’s a major disappointment when someone working in law enforcement runs afoul of the law, but it stings even more when it’s someone within your own work family. He knew better and still betrayed his co-workers, his profession, and the taxpayers of Polk County, and we arrested him.—we intend to not only hold him criminally accountable, but also to recover taxpayers’ money.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Bruce West, Jr. was charged with: Grand Theft Between $10,000 & $20,000 (F3), Obtain Property by Fraud Less than $20,000 (F3), and False Entries to Corporate Books (F3).

West was hired by the PCSO as a detention deputy on August 30, 2021 and was sworn in on October 19, 2021. He resigned upon his arrest, but had he not, his employment would have been terminated.

Detention Deputy Who Lives In Lakeland Arrested For DUI By PCSO

Carl Fish
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Detention Deputy Who Lives In Lakeland Arrested For DUI By PCSO

Polk County Sheriff’s Department Press Release

37-year old Shastri Khan of Lakeland, a detention deputy for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested on DUI charges Tuesday, March 21, 2023, by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. He was charged with: DUI with Property Damage/Personal Injury (M1, 3 counts) and DUI with BAC of 0.15 or Higher (M1).

The arrest is the result of a PCSO investigation of a four-vehicle crash that occurred on December 29, 2022 at around 9:42 pm, on Commonwealth Avenue in Polk City, near the intersection of Oak Avenue. At that time, Khan was cited for Careless Driving and for Open Container of Alcohol in Motor Vehicle pending a medical records subpoena for Khan’s blood. A sample of Khan’s blood from the hospital was submitted for testing. The results of the test were received last week and revealed that Khan’s Blood Alcohol Content was 0.289, over 3.6 times the statutory limit of 0.08.

“These blood alcohol results gave us the information we needed to charge him appropriately, in addition to the original charges. This is just one more reminder that driving while intoxicated leads to disastrous consequences—both for the innocent public, and for the drunk driver. ” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Passenger Killed In Hwy 27 Crash In Frostproof Tuesday

Staff Reporter
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Polk County Sheriff’s Department Press Release

A crash occurred just after 9:00 p.m. on US Hwy 27 at US Hwy 98 (west) and CR 630 (east) in Frostproof and involved a white 2009 Porsche Targa and a gold 2002 Chevy Tahoe.

 

The Porsche was being driven by 66-year-old Omar Gonzalez of Hialeah going north on US 27 when he came to a stop in the turn lane to turn west onto US Hwy 98. For unknown reasons, Gonzalez suddenly pulled out of the turn lane and went back into the northbound lane, entering into the path of the Tahoe which was also heading north and being driven by 36-year-old Jose Martinez, Jr. of Lake Wales.

 

Martinez attempted to avoid striking the Porsche but was unable to avoid a collision, and the Tahoe struck the Porsche’s front passenger side, killing the passenger, 62-year-old Teresa Martinez of Hialeah. Impairment does not appear to be a factor for either driver. The investigation is ongoing. The roadway was closed for approximately four hours.

Frostproof Woman Killed In Scenic Hwy Crash In Babson Park

Staff Reporter
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Polk County Sheriff’s Department Press Release

A crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Scenic Hwy North at Waverly Road in Babson Park and involved a silver 2018 Kia Stinger and a silver 2005 Chevy Tahoe.

 

53-year-old Patricia Roberts of Frostproof had just left her place of employment (The Coop restaurant) and exited out onto Waverly Road. She stopped at the intersection of Waverly and Scenic Hwy North and then began turning left (east) onto Scenic Hwy. For unknown reasons, she hesitated and stopped in the westbound lane. Her car was observed by 19-year-old Coleden Snowden (he will actually be 20 on March 26th) of Babson Park, who was driving the Tahoe west on Scenic Hwy. He attempted to brake and swerve to avoid hitting her car, but was unable to avoid the collision. The Tahoe struck the Kia on the driver’s side door. The Kia immediately caught fire, and Roberts was declared deceased at the scene after first responders arrived and extinguished the flames. Snowden was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and released for his minor injuries.

Snowden did not appear to be impaired and the investigation is ongoing. The roadway was closed for approximately four hours.

Shooting Investigation Near Bartow Dairy Queen

Carl Fish
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Shooting Investigation Near Bartow Dairy Queen

Update Wednesday Morning – From: City of Bartow Police Department


In reference to the shooting that occurred on 3/21/23 at approximately 1544 hours, two (2) subjects have been arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Attempted Homicide.

Tommy Almoza, B/M date of birth 10/29/2001 and Ezekeil Burch, B/M, date of birth 4/1/2004.

Several weapons were also confiscated during the investigation.

Bartow Police Department Press Release

On 3/21/23 at approximately 1544 hours the Bartow Police Department responded to a call of shots being fired in the area of 222 W. Ethelene Ave. in Bartow.

Responding officers made contact with a male subject who had been shot in the arm. That subject was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

Crime Scene personnel processed the scene, which included the parking lot and adjacent business. A total of four (4) subjects have been identified as being involved in the shooting.

Charges are forthcoming and the investigation is ongoing.

Retired Army Sergeant Major Breaks Ground for New Home Donated by Operation Finally Home

Staff Reporter
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Retired Army Sergeant Major Breaks Ground for New Home Donated by Operation Finally Home

by James Coulter

He served his country, not once, not twice, but eight times. He was deployed four times to Afghanistan and five times to Iraq for a total of nearly 21 years. He would have served longer, but his body had become beaten and worn during his service.

This warrior has received neck surgery, endured paralysis, and suffered broken bones, bullet wounds, and even breast cancer. He was awarded a purple heart. Now he and his family will be able to enjoy a much-needed tranquil lifestyle at their new home, donated by Lennar Homes through Operation Finally Home.

Retired Army Sergeant Major Jose Luis Barreiro, along with his wife and daughter, officially broke ground for their new house, which will be located in Liberty Ridge in Bartow. Their family celebrated the momentous occasion with a groundbreaking ceremony hosted by Lennar Homes and Operation Finally Home, the two organizations that donated the property and have arranged to construct the house.

“It’s indescribable,” Sgt. Major Barreiro said. “For the first time in a long time, I was completely speechless. It means a lot to us because it will allow us to dedicate more time to each other and our family and catch up on the time we missed since I was deployed. I am looking forward to spending more time with the family and less time having to worry about bills.”

Sgt. Major Barreiro received his new home through Operation Finally Home, a national non-profit organization that provides mortgage-free homes, modifications, and transitional homes to veterans, first responders, and their families.

This property is the third home Operation Finally Homes has provided in the Polk County Community. More than 400 projects are currently underway in 33 states across the country, and it is always an honor to give away another free home in the local community, said Molly Halliday, Operation Finally Home Senior Vice President of Marketing.

“We continue to share our mission across the country and we hope to be able to provide more mortgage-free homes in this area,” she said. “He [Sgt. Major Barreiro] is extremely deserving. He served nearly 20 years…He is a purple heart recipient. He fought and served for his country and his family wants to thank them for his service.”

Reggie Baxter founded Lennar Homes three years ago. His mission was to provide affordable housing, especially to people most deserving of a home such as local veterans. So far, his organization, through Operation Finally Home, has donated three homes to local veterans. In fact, the subdivision this newest home is located in, Liberty Ridge, was named in honor of the military and the people who served and continue to serve in it.

“It is an honor to be a part of something like this,” he said. “It is a way to give back to the local community…After this [house], we will designate another subdivision and do more of this in the future. Just a pleasure. It is a way to give back to the local community and make a living.”

Ameriprise Financial Wins 1st Place at Chili on the Ridge 2023

Staff Reporter
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Ameriprise Financial Wins 1st Place at Chili on the Ridge 2023

by James Coulter

Steve Tiner serves as the co-owner of the Haines City franchise of Ameriprise Financial Advisers and as a member of the Haines City Rotary, which hosts the annual Chili on the Ridge.

So, it was quite surprising for his Ameriprise Financial team to win first place at this year’s chili contest. Winning first place, they won the $1,000 grand prize and a glass trophy.

As for the secret behind their success, Tiner confesses that his team does not have a secret ingredient behind their chili recipe. He simply tossed in whatever item he had available and cooked it.

“We just threw in a bunch of stuff into the pot and it happened to work out this year where it didn’t last year,” he said. “I think the turnout was great. We had a lot of good events. I used most of my chili. That normally doesn’t happen.”

As a Rotary Club member, Tiner appreciates being able to participate each year. He especially loves the overall camaraderie among his fellow vendors.

“It feels great to win. It is a great event. A lot of people came out to support our Rotary Club,” he said. “We like meeting new people. All the camaraderie and fun banter between the teams and the public coming out to have a great time.”

Third place went to Titan AC, which received $250. Second place went to Jared Gordon Ford, which received $500.

Hayden Register, an employee at Jared Gordon Ford, owes their success to his employer who prepared the chili. He added hot dogs, which made it taste like a chili dog.

Their team has been participating for the past four or five years. They keep returning for the overall atmosphere and participation.

It is pretty good. Definitely not what I expected but I am happy with it.

“I like being able to taste the other chilis and having a bit of a good time,” he said.

Chili on the Ridge is hosted by Haines City Rotary as a fundraiser for scholarships. Their scholarships are conferred to local high school students at Haines City, Davenport, and Ridge Community High School.

More than a dozen vendors participated this year, with local businesses and organizations including the Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce, AdventHealth, and the Haines City and Davenport Fire Departments.

For more information about upcoming events, visit the Haines City Rotary Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/hainescityrotary

Eggs Up 27 Serves Up Egg-cellent Breakfast & Lunch

Staff Reporter
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by James Coulter

Looking for a new place to have breakfast? Or lunch? Or even brunch? Want a place that’s different yet familiar? New yet well within your comfort zone? Then you can’t beat Lake Wales’s new diner, Eggs Up 27, serving up all the traditional all-American comfort food.

From burgers and fries, to bacon and eggs, and everything else in between breakfast and lunch, Eggs Up 27 serves traditional all-American diner food.

Their most popular breakfast platter is the Cowboy Breakfast with three eggs (any style) over home fries, onions, peppers, tomatoes, sirloin tips, and shredded cheese. Also give their Breakfast Skillet a try with home fries topped with any two eggs, gravy, and cheddar cheese.

As for their lunch menu, while their burgers and sandwiches can’t be beaten, their most popular (and original) dish is their marinated steak tips, with grilled beef cooked to perfection and drizzled with finger-licking sauce.

My boss Carl Fish and I have been having lunch there for the past few weeks. He’s even been nice enough to invite my step-father Mac to join us. We’ve had lunch together there twice, and neither of us has yet been disappointed.

Each time I’ve been there, I’ve ordered the usual: a jalapeno cheddar burger with a side of fries. During our latest get-together, I also ordered some buffalo hot wings. (In case you can’t tell, I like my food extra spicy!)

Every time I’ve had the burger, it was cooked to my liking: medium well with a tiny pink in the middle with enough juices to make it finger-licking good—and you certainly needed enough juices to quench the fiery jalapeno aftertaste.

As for the hot wings, while they weren’t as “saucy” as they were to my liking, they were nevertheless burning with fiery flavor, though I’d probably toss on some tabasco sauce next time to make them spicier and saucier. (Again, I like my food spicy!)

Both my boss and stepdad aren’t as big with anything spicier than mayo. So, Carl had a bowl of shrimp and grits, while Mac had the eatery’s signature Half-Pounder with no cheese. (The same thing he ordered at our first meal there together.)

Carl has eaten lunch at Eggs Up 27 ever since it opened. (It certainly helps they’re an advertiser!) He’s had everything on the menu. This time around, he decided to try the shrimp and grits, and they turned out fantastic. The portions were good, and the shrimp was cooked and prepared “perfectly.”

“I love to come and work with my advertisers who give good service and great food to their customers,” Carl said. “When they do things like that, it makes life our life so much easier to be their advertiser. I am very excited about that.”

As for Mac, he liked the Half Pounder on our first visit, and he loved it on our second. He considered the presentation excellent, the food very appetizing, and his burger cooked to perfection just the way he liked it.

“I have been to fast food eateries where all the food tastes the same,” he said. “This looks like a fancy eatery with a nice presentation. I am extremely happy, and I will be back again soon.”

Werner Gabriel, owner and manager, opened Eggs Up 27 more than a month ago. While the eatery had a “bumpy” start, it’s since grown in popularity with regular customers pouring into the dining rooms every day for breakfast and lunch.

“Things were bumpy at the beginning, but word of mouth has gotten out, and thanks to Daily Ridge…business has been pretty good every day so far, and we hope to keep it that way,” Gabriel said.

Gabriel started in the restaurant business working at several local eateries. After 10 to 15 years, he felt he gained enough experience to open his own eatery.

His first attempt was Main Street Diner. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hit his business hard, and, like other businesses during that time, he eventually closed up shop.

He decided to give his venture another try. Opportunity arose with Eggs Up 27 in Lake Wales. Ever since then, his new business has taken off. He owes that success to the portions and quality of his food.

“What makes out food great is the amount of love you put into them, the amount of preparation you put into it, and the years of experience,” he said. “We offer quality food with good portions. We want to give people a bang for their buck.”

In the near future, Gabriel hopes to offer outdoor seating and ice cream and shakes on the menu. Until then, he hopes to continue meeting new customers and making them regular customers.

“[I love] meeting new people and making friends with customers,” he said. “It is a nice change rather than working for a company. This case, I can interact with customers and meet new people.”

Eggs Up 27 is located at 19301 US Hwy 27, Lake Wales, FL 33853. For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087972610281

Guess Who Was Inducted into The Lake Wales Highlander Hall of Fame in 2023?

Staff Reporter
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by James Coulter

Football. Baseball. Track and Field. Volleyball. These sports were played by the four inductees into this year’s Lake Wales Highlander Hall of Fame. Four Lake Wales athletes and coaches will be honored and accepted into the Hall of Fame during the Highland Booster Club Fundraiser Dinner to be hosted in April.

These four former athletes will be the fourth group of inductees placed into the Highlander Hall of Fame since its inception in 2019. However, despite being around for four years, this will be the third fundraiser dinner due to the 2020 event being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Each year, the Highlander Booster Club selection committee considers several nominations and selects three to five to be inducted into the hall of fame. Nominations that are not selected will remain in the running for five years from the date they were nominated.

“They can be past players, coaches, administrators, athletic directors, and community members who have made a significant contribution to Lake Wales High School Athletics,” explained Shelli Jacobs. “If they are a player, they have to be out of school for five years to be nominated.”

This year’s inductees are as follows:

Nathan Minton. A former coach, teacher, and dean at Lake Wales High School who served for 38 years from 1966 to 2004. He had also served as a booster club member. He remained active in athletics since his retirement from coaching at the high school in 2004. He passed away in 2018, so his award will be presented posthumously.

Debbie Knuth. A Lake Wales High School graduate who had served as a multi-sports athlete. She was involved in swimming and volleyball. After graduation, she played at Polk Community College and the University of Tampa on a volleyball scholarship.

She majored in physical education, and went on to teach PE at Hillcrest Elementary for 30 years, Lake Wales High School for 14 years as a coach, and also at Bok Academy South, Vanguard School, and Warner University.

Following her retirement, she would referee club volleyball. She also started the Elementary Charter School Turkey Bowl, a mini tournament among local elementary schools that continues to be hosted each year.

Chad Barnhardt. A true Jack-Of-All-Trades who has touched every aspect of Lake Wales High school athletics imaginable. During his senior year, he became most famous for his US All-Team State championship in baseball and football. He helped his teams win the state baseball championship as a catcher, and as a quarterback for the football state championship.

After high school, he was drafted in the eighth round of the Boston Red Sox and played in the minors. He attended the University of South Florida as a first quarterback when they first started their football program.

Following college, he returned to Lake Wales to teach at the high school and serve as the head coach for the Highlanders and head baseball coach. He currently serves as the president of the Booster Club.

Octavius Freeman. During her whole high school career, she never lost one race as an incredible athlete and runner. She remained undefeated, winning every race she ever ran in. She won the FHSAA 100 and 200-meter state finals every year she was in high school. She was a state winner every year, and she won 10 gold medals at finals over her four years of high school track and field.

She attended the University of Central Florida as a knight on a full scholarship. She attended the NCAA track and field championship in 2013, became a pro athlete in her second year with Adidas as her sponsor, and ran in the world championship in Moscow in the 400 relays.

The Lake Wales Highlanders High School Booster Fundraiser Dinner will be hosted on Sat. Apr. 22 at the Lake Wales Country Club, located at 2925 SR-60 E, Lake Wales, FL 33859. For more information, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LWHighlanderAthletics

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