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Local Burger Spot Opening Soon In Lake Wales

Staff Reporter
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By Allison Williams

Coming soon to Lake Wales is Brake Burger Garage. Owners, Dwayne McQuillen, Mathew Brock and Stephanie Brock, anticipate the restaurant opening very soon. The idea came to McQuillen when he passed the location regularly and always thought that the spot would be the perfect place to have a restaurant. 

“I have lived in Polk County for over 10 years and it was always vacant,” McQuillen said. “One day I drove by and there was a ‘for sale’ sign posted so I gave them a call and we were able to get the deal done. Then we had to come up with a concept so we asked ourselves what is missing in Lake Wales?” Burgers.

McQuillen added, “Obviously “better burger” restaurants are all over with Five Guys, Burger-Fi or other national chains in every town, except Lake Wales.”

His idea was to combine burgers with fresh, hand breaded chicken tenders. These two things together were the start of Brake Burger Garage. 

The location where Brake Burger Garage sits was formally a service/gas station. McQuillen decided to keep this as the theme for the new restaurant. 


The menu will include:

  • Fresh Smash Burgers
  • Hand Breaded Chicken Tenders
  • Chicken Sandwiches

*Stay tuned for menu release

Why choose Brake Burger Garage and what will make it stand out? McQuillen says, “High quality burgers, tenders and chicken sandwiches served in a comfortable, fast casual setting.”

To keep up to date on opening and menu items, follow their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076151152963.

Frostproof Man Flees Police In Stolen Lake Wales City Vehicle

Staff Reporter
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On December 6, 2022, a city owned Ford F-150 pickup was reported stolen from the city wastewater plant located at 840 Henry Street. Sometime during the night on December 5th someone entered the locked compound and stole the 2011 truck. 

On December 21, 2022, officers received information the truck was in the area of Scenic Highway. Officers responded to the area and located the vehicle on South First Street. When a traffic stop was attempted the vehicle fled west on Grove Avenue towards Miami Street then into the Hunt Brothers owned citrus groves to the south. After a brief chase through the groves the vehicle was stopped off of Ray Martin Road where the driver exited and fled on foot. After a brief foot chase, the driver was taken into custody without further incident.

The driver, Christopher Allen Eismon, age 42 of Frostproof, faces numerous criminal charges including vehicle theft, fleeing to elude, resisting an officer, trespass in a citrus grove, driving while license suspended, attaching an unassigned license plate, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Eismon is a career felon with an extensive criminal history including vehicle thefts, burglary, theft, aggravated assault, trespassing and narcotics charges. 

If you have any information regarding this case please contactDetective David Arana at the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223. Or, if you would like to stay anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers:

• Call 1-800-226 TIPS (8477)

• From your cell phone, dial **TIPS

• Visit the website www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on “Submit A Tip,”

• Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.

Christopher Allen Eismon, age 42 of Frostproof

Polk County Animal Control Offering Free Adoptions Until End Of Year

Allison
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Polk County Animal Control Offering Free Adoptions Until End Of Year

Polk County Animal Control-

FREE ADOPTIONS until the end of the year!


Adoption hours are Monday-Saturday 10 am- 4 pm
Polk County Animal Control is located at 7115 Decastro Rd. Winter Haven, FL 33880.

Twelve Year Old Lakeland Boy Dead After He Accidentally Shoots Himself

Carl Fish
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Twelve Year Old Lakeland Boy Dead After He Accidentally Shoots Himself

LAKELAND, FL (December 17, 2022) – On Friday, December 16, 2022, at approximately 7:00 p.m., uniform patrol officers responded to a residence in the 5500 block of Starling Loop in reference to a shooting involving a juvenile. Upon arrival, officers found emergency medical professionals rendering aid to a 12-year-old male victim with a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. 

Early reports indicate the victim had been dropped off by his mother for a sleepover with his friend, a 13-year-old male who lives at the residence. Detectives were told the boys were in the garage when the victim located a loaded handgun inside one of the vehicles. As the victim was handling the gun, one round was fired, accidentally shooting himself. 

Officers made contact with the victim’s mother at the hospital. She was under the impression that an adult was at the home for supervision; however, no adults were at the residence. The family members of the boy who lives in the house, who were at work, were unaware that the victim was at the home as they had not given the boy permission to have any guests over.  

This is still very early in the open investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Troy Smith at 863.834.8958or [email protected].

The name of the victim is being withheld in accordance with Marsy’s Law. There is no additional information available at this time.

Attempted Armed Robbery At Auburndale Pizza Hut

Carl Fish
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Attempted Armed Robbery At Auburndale Pizza Hut

On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at approximately 3:20pm, the Auburndale Police Department responded to the Pizza Hut located at 203 Magnolia Avenue in Auburndale in reference to an in progress armed robbery. The suspect left prior to officers arriving on-scene. The Pizza Hut surveillance video depicted the suspect displaying a handgun during the attempted robbery.

Auburndale police officers and detectives conducted a thorough investigation that developed leads on the suspects whereabouts. The Auburndale Police Department, along with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Units, responded to the possible location. The suspect was located sitting on the steps at the rear of the residence. The suspect, Steve Dwight Cason, admitted to going to the Auburndale Pizza Hut and asking for money. Cason denied having a gun.


Steve Dwight Cason, 57, is listed as a Career Offender on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website. According to the FDLE website, Cason’s previous convictions are, Robbery W/firearm, Robbery N/firearm, Grand Theft, and Kidnap.


The teamwork of the Auburndale Patrol Division, the Auburndale Criminal Investigation Unit, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, did an outstanding job locating, apprehending, and taking a violent felon off the street. Cason was charged with Attempted Robbery and Aggravated Assault

Man’s Body Found On Roadway Early Thursday Morning May Be Hit & Run Victim

Staff Reporter
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PCSO Press Release

Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a hit and run crash that occurred in unincorporated Lake Wales that resulted in the death of a 42-year-old Lakeland man.

At around 3:25 am on Thursday, December 15, 2022, PCSO deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue responded to a report of a person lying on the side of S.R. 60 near North Airport Road.

The preliminary investigation determined that sometime between 1:00 a.m. and 3:20 a.m. Thursday morning, the victim was walking near the fog line on the north edge of eastbound S.R. 60 when he was struck by an unknown vehicle. The vehicle failed to stop and continued westbound on U.S. 60.

There was limited lighting in the area at the time of the crash. It appears the victim may have been struck by a large commercial vehicle, and the driver may not have realized he or she hit a pedestrian.

If anyone has any information regarding this hit and run investigation, please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200. Tips can also be made anonymously to Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida at 1-800-226-TIPS(8477), and if the tips lead to an arrest, the tipster could be eligible for a reward.

Lake Wales Highlander Football Team Heads to State Championship

Staff Reporter
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The Lake Wales Football team is heading to Fort Lauderdale this morning! Their send off will include a drive by local elementary schools and the Lake Wales Charter Schools office.

Polk County Sheriffs Office deputies and the Lake Wales Fire Department will escort the team buses from Lake Wales High School at 11am.

🏈It’s been 28 years since the Lake Wales Highlander football team made this journey. 🏈

In 1993 the Highlanders made it to the state finals before losing in the 3A championship game 42-21 to Jacksonville Bolles. In 1994 the Highlanders again made it to the state finals but were beaten in the 4A championship game 25-6 by Santa Fe (Alachua). Our Regional Champion Highlander team in 1996 made it to the final four before Bartow beat us 13-7 in the semifinal game. In 2001 the Highlanders won the Regional Championship and then were knocked out in the state semifinal game by Rockledge. The 2009 Highlanders won the Regional Championship before being knocked out 24-17 by Belen Jesuit (Miami). The 2013 Highlanders also won the Regional Championship before being beaten in the state semifinal game by American Heritage (Plantation).

🖤🧡Lake Wales should be proud of their Highlanders on this major accomplishment!🖤🧡

Go Highlanders Go!!!!

View the parade route:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/pLKGFangqwSUMTHn8?g_st=i

Team Buses: Elem School Drive-by Parade

11:00 am Leave LWHS back gate

Janie Howard Elem (ETA 11:14am)

Spook Hill Elem (ETA 11:19am)

Legion Field

LWCS Office (ETA 11:24am)

Polk Ave Elem (ETA 11:26am)

Hillcrest Elementary (ETA 11:30am)

Westbound S.R. 60 Blocked Due To Fatal Crash Involving Pedestrian

Staff Reporter
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Updated Article 12:30pm December 15

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a crash that happened Wednesday evening, December 14, 2022, in unincorporated Lake Wales that resulted in the death a Lake Wales man. 

Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and crews from Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at about 5:50 p.m. to S.R. 60 and Myrtle Avenue.

Upon arrival, they found 77-year-old Raymond Leddy deceased.

Based on statements and evidence, it was determined that Mr. Leddy was riding a burgundy Schwinn tricycle and had crossed the eastbound lanes of S.R. 60 and into the center turn lane near the median break. At the same time, 32-year-old Christy Brown of Lake Wales was driving a red 2015 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck westbound in the outside lane of S.R. 60. For unknown reasons, Mr. Leddy turned into the westbound lanes and directly into the path of the Silverado.

 

There are no street lights in the area of the crash, and Mr. Leddy was not wearing reflective clothing nor was his bicycle equipped with lights.

 

A portion of the roadway was closed for about three hours during the investigation, which remains ongoing. 

—— Original Article ——

Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Fire Rescue is currently working a crash on S.R. 60 near Capps Rd. The accident is just across from the Y’all Come Back Saloon.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office the crash occurred around 6pm, Wednesday evening. The crash involves a vehicle vs pedestrian and sadly the pedestrian didn’t survive. The crash is currently blocking the Westbound lanes coming into Lake Wales.

This is a developing story. We will update as more information is available.

Winter Haven Police Is on the scene of an officer-involved shooting Of Stabbing Suspect

Carl Fish
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Winter Haven Police Is on the scene of an officer-involved shooting Of Stabbing Suspect

Winter Haven Police are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier today. No officers are injured and the suspect has non-life-threatening injuries and has been taken to the hospital for treatment.

The incident location is 2316 Isle Royal Court SE in Winter Haven. Near Holiday Inn and Boston Market.

The events unfolded during a domestic disturbance call at the residence. Officers responded to the resident after a witness called stating 35 year-old Nathan Armstrong (DOB 3-15-87) was stabbing a female in the residence.

When officers arrived, they immediately entered the residence finding Armstrong in the residence continuing to stab the victim. The officer commanded Armstrong to drop the knife, however he continued to stab the victim. In order to stop Armstrong, the officer fired his service weapon striking Armstrong in the leg. Once Armstrong was secured, officers immediately started rendering aid to Armstrong and the victim.
Both were taken to the hospital where they remain with non-life-threatening injuries.

“Our officer saved this victim’s life,” said Winter Haven Police Chief David Brannan. “Had our officer not taken the immediate action to stop Armstrong, the outcome for the victim could have been much worse.”

This is very early in the investigation with limited information available.
The Tenth Judicial Circuit Task Force, overseen by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, is handling the investigation.

17-year-old Pennsylvania fugitive with murder warrant arrested in Polk County High School

Carl Fish
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17-year-old Pennsylvania fugitive with murder warrant arrested in Polk County High School

County Sheriff’s Office arrested 17-year-old Henry Madera, Jr. of Mulberry who was wanted by the Reading City Police Department in Pennsylvania for 3rd Degree Murder and other felonies.

On December 12, 2022 the Reading City Police Department contacted PCSO detectives asking for assistance in locating Madera. Earlier in 2022, Madera was involved in a fight at a park in Reading, Pennsylvania where two people were shot, one of whom died. Madera is believed to be one of the shooters and testified in October before a Pennsylvania Grand Jury on the charges.

Deputies learned that following his Grand Jury testimony, Madera fled to Florida and enrolled at Mulberry High School on October 14, 2022. 

On December 12th, the Pennsylvania Grand Jury issued a warrant for Madera’s arrest.

PCSO detectives located Madera at Mulberry High School and arrested him.

“Partnerships with other law enforcement agencies are invaluable, and this is a great example. Running from another state after committing murder, doesn’t place you outside of law enforcement’s reach.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Madera was transported to the Polk County Jail where he is awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania to face the following 2022 charges:

·      3rd Degree Murder

·      Aggravated Assault

·      Conspiracy – Aggravated Assault

·      Possession of Firearms without a License

·      Perjury

·      False Swearing during an Official Proceeding

· Recklessly Endangering another Person

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