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Winter Haven Fire Department Welcomes Three New Investigators / Inspectors

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Winter Haven Fire Department Welcomes Three New Investigators / Inspectors
Please help us congratulate three of our newest Investigators/Inspectors who recently graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Recruit Academy (BLE 16-01) at the Kenneth C. Thompson Institute of Public Safety.
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Basic might be in the title of the above mentioned program, but make no mistake; there is nothing basic about the 6 month, 770 hour academy. And that doesn’t even include the daily 5:30am physical training or the community service hours!!
They excelled in defense tactics, emergency driving operations and continued leadership throughout the program.
Congratulations to Investigator/Inspector McDuffie, McNutt and Witter for their hard work and perseverance on completing this arduous program and passing the FDLE State Officer Certification Exam.
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Health-Conscious Thief Steals $300 Worth Of Protein Powder From Winter Haven Walmart

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Health-Conscious Thief Steals $300 Worth Of Protein Powder From Winter Haven Walmart

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A health-conscious thief loaded up a shopping cart with several tins full of protein powder supplement and strolled out the doors of a Winter Haven Walmart on Wednesday.

Winter Haven Police is asking for the public to help identify a man who helped himself to more than $300 worth of Whey Protein and didn’t make any attempt to pay.

People commonly use Whey Protein as supplementation, alongside resistance exercise (weight training), to help improve muscle protein synthesis and promote the growth of lean tissue mass.

Hopefully after he’s caught; he’ll also have plenty of time to “weigh” the consequences of his actions.

Here’s the post from the Winter Haven Police Facebook page below:

Help Identify Whey Protein Thief

Winter Haven Police is asking for the public to help identify a man who helped himself to more than $300 worth of Whey Protein and didn’t make any attempt to pay.

On 9-7-16, the below pictured subject arrived at Walmart (7450 Cypress Gardens Blvd) in a 1996 White Ford Thunderbird.

He went straight to the protein isle and selected the merchandise and headed for the doors.

Anyone with information on his identity is asked to call Detective Roias at 863-401-2256

Cooking on the Ridge: Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze

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Cooking on the Ridge: Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze

Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze

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Ingredients

Directions

  • Prep 20 m

  • Cook 25 m

  • Ready In 45 m

  1. Season pork chops with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat oil and butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork chops in the hot oil mixture until browned on both sides and pork is slightly pink in the center, 5 to 7 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Remove pan from the heat; transfer pork chops to a plate.
  3. Stir garlic into the pan and place over medium-high heat; cook and stir for 30 seconds. Pour in vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add apple cider and Dijon mustard, bring mixture to a boil, and cook until sauce is reduced and thick, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in rosemary and red pepper flakes; season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Return pork chops to the pan to warm slightly, 1 to 2 minutes per side.

This article sponsored by Sweet Ella’s Produce:

sweet Ella's

Pedestrian Struck & Killed In Lake Wales Saturday Night

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Pedestrian Struck & Killed In Lake Wales Saturday Night

Lake Wales, Florida – At approximately 2:20 am, on Sunday, September 11, 2016, a 1995, white Mercury Grand Marquis, driven by 41-year-old Terry Delaine Cox of Lilly Street, Lake Wales, was southbound on Hunt Brothers Road south of SR 60, with his passenger, his twin brother, 41-year-old Terrance Dewayne Cox, same address.

The brothers were going home from the IHOP restaurant in Lake Wales. When they neared the intersection of Post Salter Road, the Grand Marquis struck 29-year-old Richard Mercado of Steve Lane, Lake Wales, who appears to have been walking in the middle of the southbound lane of travel.

After impact, the Grand Marquis drove off the right (west) shoulder of the roadway, came back on the roadway, then continued south for approximately ½ mile to the intersection of Hunt Brothers Road and Lilly Street. Once the vehicle came to rest, emergency responders were contacted.

Polk County Fire and PCSO Southeast District Patrol responded to render aid and found Mercado to have severe injuries. He was flown to Lakeland Regional Health where he later died as a result of is injuries around 9:04 am.

Preliminary evidence indicates that Mercado was walking with the flow of traffic (back towards traffic) in the southbound lanes of travel when he was struck. He was wearing dark clothing and it does not appear that he had any illumination devices with him.

Both Terry and Terrance Cox had minor abrasions from flying glass.

Hunt Brothers Road and part of Lilly Street were closed in both directions for several hours. No criminal charges are anticipated at this time, but the investigation is ongoing.

Portion Of Combee Rd. Closed Due To Motorcycle Accident 

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Portion Of Combee Rd. Closed Due To Motorcycle Accident 

Lakeland, Florida – At approximately 3:20 pm, on Friday, September 9, 2016, a 2006, Honda 1000RR Motorcycle, operated by 37-year-old Juan Korshan McWhorter of Ranch Lake Court, Lakeland was travelling southbound on Combee Road, north of the intersection of Tanglewood Street. 

 

At approximately the same time, a 2002 Grey Ford F150, operated by 70-year-old Mary Frances Langley Krause of Island Oak Court, Lakeland, was exiting the parking lot for the Badcock Store located at 1225 Combee Road. 

 

Krause crossed westbound across Combee Road from the Badcock driveway toward Tanglewood Street.  As Krause crossed over southbound Combee Road, McWhorter’s motorcycle collided with the passenger side rear quarter panel of the pickup truck.  The force of the impact caused the pickup to rotate clockwise, coming to rest several feet west on Tanglewood Street, facing northbound.  McWhorter was ejected from his motorcycle and came to rest south of the impact site, landing in the southbound lanes of Combee Road.

 

Emergency responders arrived and found McWhorter with severe injuries.  McWhorter died during transport to Lakeland Regional Health.  Krause was uninjured.

 

Impairment is not suspected at this time, but excessive speed on the part of the motorcycle does appear to be a factor in the crash. McWhorter was wearing a helmet.

 

Combee Road was closed in both directions for approximately 3 hours.

 

The investigation is ongoing

Lake Wales Woman Injured In Labor Day Weekend ATV Accident – Driver Arrested For DUI

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Lake Wales Woman Injured In Labor Day Weekend ATV Accident – Driver Arrested For DUI

 

Lake Wales, Florida – On September 4, 2016 the Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene of an accident on S.R. 60 & Capps Rd at around 5:54pm. According to reports Daniel Hyde & his girlfriend Grace Carnley were riding a 4 wheel atv when they jumped a retaining ditch separator, then flipped over and were ejected.  Carnley was unresponsive, but breathing. Hyde flagged down a Polk County Sheriff’s unit for help. Carnely was taken to a field next to the Polk County Fire Department in Golfview Park where she was airlifted to the hospital.

The deputy that stopped to render aid could smell the distinct odor of alcohol on Hyde. A cooler was located close to the accident scene with cold beers still inside and some broken from the crash. Hyde reported admitted to drinking a few beers. A field sobriety test was performed which Hyde agreed to do. According to the report Hyde failed some portions, had difficulty staying balanced and refused other portions. At one point allegedly saying ” Man you just want to take me to jail, so let’s get this going”. The deputy allegedly informed Hyde that it was not the case and that he was going to conduct alternate tasks with him at which time Hyde yelled “just take me to Jail douchbag, I’m not doing that damn test”. “You just ruined my life you douchbag, you just took my job away cause you have nothing else to do. All these crackheads out there you guys just let go, but you want to arrest me cause I had a couple of beers and driving my 4 wheeler in the grass”, allegedly said by Hyde per reports.

Hyde was arrested and charged with DUI, DUI with Property Damage & Violation of Injunction. Carnley had regained consciousness at the scene and it was determined that she did not suffer life threatening injuries while she was treated in the hospital.

Winter Haven Police Asking for Public’s Help To Identify Three Suspects Who Brok into Radio Shack in SW Winter Haven

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Winter Haven Police Asking for Public’s Help To Identify Three Suspects Who Brok into Radio Shack in SW Winter Haven
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On 9-2-16 at approximately 4:20 a.m., three unknown black males busted the front glass out of the Radio Shack store located at 1528 3rd St. SW in Winter Haven.
Upon entering the store, one male ran to the back office area and the other two started grabbing items, including display phones, from the showroom shelves.
The three were in the store less than two minutes and fled out of the broken area of the door they entered through.
All three appear to be in their late teens or early twenties. Two had their heads covered, but the third did not.
As you review the video, please notice the distinctive clothing. This could be a good way to identify the suspects.
Anyone with information on the identities of either of these three is asked to all Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a CASH reward.

Suspect In Shootout With Polk County Deputies 

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Suspect In Shootout With Polk County Deputies 

Updated Notes On Grady Judd Briefing-

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Detectives belonging to the HIDTA task force conducted a traffic stop on 32-year-old Francis Perry, a known convicted violent felon at 2737 Golfview Street in Lakeland, around 5:15 p.m. – this is not Perry’s home
*       Perry has an active warrant for his arrest – fugitive from justice – his last registered address is 272 18th St NE, Winter Haven
*       Perry had a trafficking amount of what appears to be Meth in the car
*       Officers from four agencies: PCSO, Lake Wales P.D., Haines City P.D, and Winter Haven P.D., approached Perry’s car
*       All of the task force members were clearly identified with vests with SHERIFF written across the chest and back
*       As they approached the car, Perry shot at the officers
*       He was the only occupant of the car
*       The officers immediately returned fire
*       Perry was shot multiple times
*       The officers called for medical assistance and began CPR
*       Perry was transported to an area hospital and went into emergency surgery
*       It is standard protocol that the officers involved in the shooting will be placed on paid administrative leave
*       By agency policy, there will be four independent investigations related to the shooting:
o       PCSO Homicide Unit will conduct a shooting investigation
o       PCSO Administrative Investigations will conduct an internal investigation to determine compliance with agency policy
o       State Attorney’s Office is on-scene and will conduct an independent investigation
o       HIDTA members will continue with their criminal investigation into the trafficking amount of drugs
o       At the conclusion of these investigations, the reports will be forwarded to the three other involved agencies for their own internal investigations

PERRY’S CRIMINAL HISTORY

*       Perry admitted to two different law enforcement agencies that he was a member of a white supremacist movement
*       Lee County prior charges: Aggravated Assault With a Weapon, Robbery, Burglary, Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property
*       Polk County prior charges: Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Resisting Arrest, Fleeing to Elude, Impersonating a LEO, Unlawful Possession of a Handcuff Key, Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, Giving False Info to LEO During Investigation, Grand Theft, Trespassing, Forgery, Possession of Meth, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Controlled Substance, DWLSR, Vehicle Theft, Burglary
*       2014 – sentenced to 1.5 years for Meth Possession & Agg Assault With Deadly Weapon (original charge Att 2nd Deg Murder, pled down)
*       March 2016 – 6 months ago – released from state prison
*       Upon release from prison he was placed on conditional release – he absconded and currently has a felony warrant for his arrest

HIDTA = High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force
—
​Lakeland, Florida – PCSO is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred at Woodland Ave and Golfview St in Lakeland.
Preliminary information so far is that the HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) task force, comprised of officers from several local agencies, was conducting an investigation when a suspect opened fire on them. Officers returned fire. The suspect has been transported to a hospital. No officers were injured.
More information will be released as soon as possible.

Fight Off the Summer Heat; Make Life Cool By The Pool!

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Fight Off the Summer Heat; Make Life Cool By The Pool!
Fight Off the Summer Heat; Make Life Cool By The Pool!
 
 
With summer bearing down and temperatures on the rise, nothing is more relaxing than a dip in the pool.
 
Swimming is a great recreational activity for people of all ages. Recreational swimming can provide you with a low-impact workout and it’s also a good way to relax and feel good.
 
But keeping a pool working properly can be tedious and expensive as well as time consuming.
 
Maintaining a pool can practically be a full-time job. There are many books that offer help for the do-it-yourselfer’s, but there is no reason to spend all of your time drowning in pool-related problems.
 
To be sure to get the job done right, professional pool maintenance companies are the best bet.  But be warned!…not all professional pool maintenance companies are equal!
 
Even though cleaning a pool doesn’t require a license, you should always look for a company that is licensed and insured.
 
“ Although pool cleaning itself doesn’t require a license; any repairs including motor replacement, work on the pumps, filters, salt system and heater installation requires a contractor’s license, which we have!” says 34-year-old Mike Williams of Blue Thumb Pool Care.
 
After moving to Florida from Brazil, Indiana when he was fifteen, Mike settled in Frostproof where his grandmother helped get him a job at a local pool service company.
 
Through high school and college, Mike worked over a decade perfecting his craft before deciding in 2008 to launch Blue Thumb Pool Care.
 
“My dad, Bob Williams has helped me since I started on my own in 2008. As the business grew, I hired two more pool techs to join the team; Cody Laster who has been with me for 3 years now and Jason Davis who has been with me for over a year”.
 
With its team now in place, Blue Thumb Pool Care has expanded to cover most of Polk County as well as north Highlands County.  
 
“We offer many different types of services from general pool service to the repair or replacement of equipment.  We are starting to get more involved with the remodeling side of the business as well”.

A pool…like a car, is an investment……it must be maintained to protect its integrity as well as its value.
 
Just like tires, oil and gas affect a car’s performance; a pool works in unison with the pump, the filter and Ph balance of the water, all of which can affect your pool’s performance.
 
Some good reasons to hire a pool service is peace of mind, knowing that your pool is being cared for properly and that you don’t have to transport and store chemicals.  You also don’t have to worry about the cleaning of the filtration equipment which can sometimes be a chore. 
 
An experienced tech also keeps an eye on the equipment running the pool  and can proactively take care of a problem before it gets out of control and expensive.
 
Numerous examples can be cited where a problem such as a leak was spotted on the pool pump and was fixed before it ruined the motor; preventing more damage and what would have be a costly repair.
 
It’s no secret……Blue Thumb offers superior customer service…It’s That Simple!
 
So Relax…unwind…and get in a flip-flop state of mind knowing that the professionals at Blue Thumb Pool Care are at your service and are available to give you that free time and peace of mind you so deserve. 
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Contact the professionals at Blue Thumb Pool Care at (863) 528- 0979 
Licensed & Insured
Lic # RP25255530

The Vanguard School of Lake Wales, Florida would like to welcome its newest principal, Marya Marcum-Jones.

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The Vanguard School of Lake Wales, Florida would like to welcome its newest principal, Marya Marcum-Jones.
The Vanguard School of Lake Wales, Florida would like to welcome its newest principal, Marya Marcum-Jones.
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Marya began her career at Vanguard ten years ago as a middle school teacher. Since then she has taught a plethora of different subjects from social studies to facilitating the online learning lab.
 
In spring of 2014, Marcum-Jones began as assistant principal. It was under the leadership of Derri Park, Vanguard’s former principal, that Marcum-Jones flourished. Park allowed for her to take a more active role in administration.
 
After Park became ill last year, Marcum-Jones stepped into her newest role as principal. She credits Park saying, “[It was] her guidance and mentoring [that] helped prepare me for this position.” Since becoming principal, she has helped implement new and innovative courses at Vanguard; such as the new digital media classes this semester, which include: digital photography, journalism, web design, and digital design.
 
These courses will allow students to express their individuality, share their creativity, and establish their presence in the digital media world. This creative and individualistic approach is not a new concept to Marcum-Jones as she explains what she hopes for Vanguard’s future, “My hopes for the school are to take our specialty [for] individualizing education and combine it with project-based and inquiry-based learning [to give] our students an authentic education that prepares them for contemporary culture.” 
 
It is Vanguard’s individualization and safe environment that is conducive to students feeling successful in learning, which many have not experienced before. Marcum-Jones explains, “To see their faces light up and feel proud for the first time, that is priceless.”
Along with extensive experience in education, Marya has an undergraduate degree in English and a master’s degree in Education. She is currently completing a specialist degree in Educational Leadership. She has one daughter, who is in the eighth grade.

Finally, when asked what she liked best, Marcum-Jones smiled and said, “Vanguard is a family, and as a part of that family, every student can find a friend or a group, some who haven’t had friends before. That means a lot.”

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