Haines City Police officers were called to a Haines City residence Monday when a man, later identified as Keandra Griner, 25, of Haines City, entered a home and exposed himself to the 89-year-old homeowner and her 32-year-old caregiver.
Officers were told by the elderly homeowner that Griner entered the home and attempted to pull down the pants of her female caregiver. When Griner was not able to do that he approached the homeowner and displayed his genitals in front of her.
When Haines City Detective Trajabar arrived on the scene the victims said the man entered the residence through an unlocked rear door, went to the refrigerator, grabbed an apple juice, and walked into a bedroom with his pants down and his genitals in hand. The woman pushed Griner out of the way and went into her living room where Griner continued to display his genitals. The woman told Griner to leave. He initially refused but eventually left through the back door.
The woman said she was never touched by Griner and that he did not have permission to be in her residence.
Armed with the victims’ description of the suspect, officers were able to locate Griner at the 7-11 on Hinson Avenue. The caregiver was able to positively identify Griner and he was transported to Haines City Police Department headquarters, interviewed by detectives and arrested.
Griner is charged with Burglary-with assault and battery and two counts of Exposure of Sexual Organs.
Come see us on Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm, our Human Resources team will be at the PCSO Sheriff’s Operations Center (1891 Jim Keene Blvd. Winter Haven) to process your applications and answer questions about working for PCSO.
All qualified applicants will receive a conditional offer of employment THAT SAME DAY!
Also, you can SAVE TIME AND SKIP THE LINE by filling out our application in advance at: https://lnkd.in/ee7mHMq3
We have multiple positions available such as: • LE Academy Recruits – candidates become certified in law enforcement; Stipend $3,000 monthly (approximately 5 1/2 months) • Dual Academy Recruits – candidates become certified in law enforcement and detention; Stipend $3,000 monthly (approximately 8 months) • Telecommunicators – starting salary: $36,680 plus excellent benefits • Detention Support Specialists – starting salary: $29,411 plus excellent benefits • Intake Records Specialists – starting salary: $31,592 plus excellent benefits • Part-time Civilian positions – starting hourly wages: $10-$11.50
Click here to learn how to become a member and view our benefit package: https://lnkd.in/eGVarn6V We are an equal opportunity employer.
Lake Wales, Fla. (July 19, 2022) – Two new houses are complete and eight houses are in development within the core improvement area of Lake Wales.
The development comes within 120 days of the new affordable housing incentive programs offered by the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to private housing developers and homebuyers.
Developer Idarousse Charif, owner of Ameera Investments LLC, sees the value in the CRA’s Developer Incentive Program. “I just completed the first house, and I have more lots to build on,” Charif said.
Both city and county impact fees may be waived to developers building affordable houses in the core improvement area that lays alongside US Highway 27 and Scenic Highway between Florida Avenue, Emerald Avenue and SR 60.
“The incentive programs we offer provide more affordable opportunities to homebuyers,” City Manager James Slaton said.
First time homebuyer, Earnestine Buxton and husband, Veteran Clyde L. Buxton are set to close on the house built by Ameera Investments LLC. The Buxton’s qualified for the CRA’s Affordable Housing Down Payment Assistance Program, which provides up to $15,000 towards closing costs.
“This is a dream come true for us,” Ms. Buxton said. “The process to qualify was easy.”
The Lake Wales CRA requires developers to sell houses to qualified homebuyers at or below 120% of the area median income.
Private developers interested in the developer incentive program may contact the CRA at (863) 678-4050 ext. 252.
Homebuyers interested in qualifying for the affordable housing down payment assistance program are encouraged to contact Hands of Central Florida at (863) 682-1025, or visit cflhands.org.
Bartow, Fla. (July 19, 2022) — Starting Wednesday, July 20, offsite widening and turn lane construction for a new subdivision will close H.L. Smith Road for three weeks in unincorporated Haines City just south of the intersection at Lake Hatchineha Road (County Road 542). Traffic will be briefly detoured along Lake Hatchineha Road, Alford Road, and Edwards Road to bypass closure. Minor delays are possible, especially during peak-hour traffic. Commuters are advised to drive with caution, be alert to detour signs, and to add extra drive time to trips through this area.
For more details, contact Bill Skelton with the Polk County Roads & Drainage Division at (8363) 535-2200.
Lake Wales, Florida- The Lake Wales Police Department has arrested two Lake Wales residents and charged them with Grand Theft. Alberto Quinones and Shantrell Wilkerson are the two suspects charged with pocketing left over funds from layaway items that were never completely purchased. Below is the arrest affidavit for Alberto Quinones.
It should be noted that this is an unedited report of facts by the Lake Wales Police Department. These facts are up for question and everyone is entitled to question the validity of facts by law enforcement in a court of law. Lake Wales Daily does not rewrite these facts as some meanings or interpretations could be in error and change context. We hope readers appreciate being able to read the information and come to your own conclusion.
“On July 5th, 2022, I responded to Rural King on Highway 60 in reference to grand theft. Upon arrival, I made contact with employees who brought me to the office to wait until loss and prevention was done with their internal investigation.
I spoke with the Loss Prevention officer who advised two employees, Shantell Wilkerson and Alberto Quinones, were taking money from cancelled layaway accounts and pocketing the money between themselves. Rural King offers a layaway process where customers are able to make payments over time and if they are unable to finish paying within the agreed time frame, then the account is closed and the cash is put into a separate account owned by Rural King, Wilkerson and Quinones were closing the accounts out and instead of putting the money into Rural King’s account, they would split it among themselves in cash. Wilkerson and Quinones were observed on camera completing the process to close an account and then taking the money out and stealing the money. The cash total of money stolen was approximately $1,893.54.
Due to the above facts and observations, Shantell Wilkerson and Alberto Quinones is being charged with grand theft.”
Welcome, World Travelers! Cool Off with the Balmoral Resort Pool Series on July 22
by James Coulter
Last Saturday may have risen to the 90s, but once the sun went down, Balmoral Resort went back to the 90s—the 1990s, that is! With totally hip 90s music blaring over the sound speakers, people dressed in their classic 90s gear, and lights glowing up in radical colors, Balmoral Resort Florida was set to party like it was 1999 down at their pool and clubhouse.
DJ Melvin was on the scene to blare only the greatest hits. He even led the crowd with some dance moves from the Macarena to the Cha Cha Slide. Meanwhile, guests who wanted to stand out in the dark could paint themselves up with glow-in-the-dark colors and slap on some glowsticks. Overall, it was a totally rad evening that went gnarly to the max.
Balmoral Resort Florida is currently hosting its Summer Pool Series all month long to help draw in locals and have them enjoy its pool and waterpark area. For the low price of $15, attendees 21 and older can enjoy all of the amenities of the pool at the Balmoral Bar and Grill at the Clubhouse.
Why settle for a bland pool when you can slip down two giant waterslides, romp around the children’s play area and splash zone, get soaked by a giant water bucket, and enjoy a pool and spa with a gorgeous lakeside view? At Balmoral Resort Florida, there are plenty of opportunities to get wet and wild during these hot and humid dog days of summer.
Currently, Balmoral Resort offers daily passes for their pool and water park. Locals who want something slightly more exciting than their ordinary community pool can drop by and dive right in to enjoy true wet and wild fun in the summer sun (or even the moo
Their Pool Series was created to help inspire the younger generations (specifically ages 21 to 45) to check out their pool and clubhouse. Each night has a special theme to add a little more fun and excitement with live entertainment and food and drink specials.
“This is the first year we have ever done evening pool parties like this, and we are really excited about it,” said Nanay Pittman, Feltrim Group Chief Marketing Officer. “We know the locals will love this place. Balmoral Resorts is open to the public and is for the everyone to enjoy. The food is great, the drinks are wonderful, the staff is fantastic, they have to come out here, take a look, and they will love this local resort.”
Their previous event was their 90s Glow Party last Saturday. The totally tubular evening gave every 90s kid the opportunity to pump up the jam and party like it was 1999 with glow-in-the-dark paint, live music, and food and drink specials.
Their next installment in their Pool Series will be their Black and White event on Friday, July 22 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Guestwill be invited to dress up in either black and white and enjoy specialty drinks served all-night long.
After that event will be their Sunday Luau Brunch on Sun. July 31 at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Because when you can’t afford an all-paid vacation to Hawaii, the next best thing is a luau-style brunch event with authentic Hawaiian cuisine, hula dance lessons, and performances by traditional Hawaiian fireknife dancers.
Jeff VanDivers, Balmoral General Manager, loved being able to see so many local families come to their facility and enjoy their pool and clubhouse. He feels the resort is a great asset to the community, not only by providing them with plenty of opportunities for fun and entertainment, but plenty of job opportunities as well. Their Pool Series is sure to invite more people to drop by and see what they have to offer, he said.
“We were very happy with the turnout with our first pool series party, and we are looking forward to the same turnout [in the future],” he said. “This is something we wanted to bring to Haines City for the younger crowd so they did not have to travel outside of the ridge area. I think as we continue to grow, we will see an increase each week.”
Aside from their Summer Pool Series, the Balmoral Bar and Grill Clubhouse offers many daily events and activities including trivia night, karaoke, bingo, local bands, and food and drink specials. For more information, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/balmoralbarandgrill.
Haines City, Florida – The Haines City Police Department is currently investigating a shooting situation that occurred tonight in Haines City. According to the public information officer, Jim Gouvellis, an officer was shot. It’s believed that the officer was shot in the leg by their holstered weapon while struggling with a suspect.
We will update this article as more information is made available.
On Thursday, July 14, 2022 Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 45-year-old Marshall House of Lakeland for stealing a U-Haul truck and other charges, including violating his Florida state prison probation.
At around 8:30 p.m. a PCSO deputy spotted the stolen U-Haul parked at the Circle K store (4950 U.S. 92 east) in unincorporated Auburndale. The truck was reported stolen from Valdosta, Georgia.
The deputy drove into the parking lot and saw the suspect, later determined to be House, pumping gas into the truck and that the truck’s driver’s side window was broken out. When House saw the patrol car drive into the parking lot, he moved away from the U-Haul and sat on cases of water that were displayed in front of the store.
Store security video showed House driving the U-Haul into the parking lot and to the gas pump where he was first seen by the deputy.
House initially gave the deputy a false name and birthdate. When checked, the Florida Department of Motor Vehicle photo of the person whose name was provided was not House.
House was arrested, and during a search, deputies located a syringe in House’s pants pocket with contents that tested positive for methamphetamine. House was also in possession of a debit card belonging to deceased woman and a credit card belonging to Marshall House, which led to his identification.
House was also wanted by the Florida Department of Corrections for violating his state probation. He was on probation for felony driving with license revoked, uttering a forged instrument, fraud, grand theft, and possession of methamphetamine.
“Apparently this felon has not learned his lesson and belongs back in prison. And we will do everything we can to make sure that’s exactly what happens.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
House was arrested and charged with Grand Theft Auto (F3), Habitual Driving with a Suspended License (F3), Possession of Methamphetamine (F3), False Identification to Law Enforcement (M1), Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification (M1), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (M1), and Violation of State Probation. This is his 18th arrest in Polk County, and his previous criminal history includes 10 felonies and 21 misdemeanors for forgery, grand theft, fraud, petit theft, domestic violence battery, resisting a firefighter, resisting a law enforcement officer, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, as well as multiple charges of driving with a suspended or revoked license, failures to appear, and violations of probation.
Bartow, Fla. (July 15, 2022) — Recent damage to track components has closed the railroad crossing on Old Highway 37 just south of Agricola Road in the Bradley Junction area of Mulberry for five days of emergency repairs by CSX Transportation (CSXT). Crossing is scheduled to reopen Tuesday morning, July 19. Until then, traffic will be detoured along State Road 37 to bypass crossing. Minor travel delays are likely. Motorists should drive carefully, be alert to signs redirecting traffic, and add extra drive time to trips through the area.
Anyone wanting to report a public road rail crossing issue or complaint should call CSX at 1-800-232-0144 or email them at[email protected].
Lake Wales Funeral Home Gives Away 200 Boxes of Sanitation Products in 11th Drive
by James Coulter
More than 200 boxes of hand sanitizer, bleach, and other sanitation products were distributed on Wednesday during the 11th monthly drive at Johnell Caver Your Home For Funerals in Lake Wales.
“We see people come here in wheelchairs, crutches, grocery carts, and walk-ups,” Thompson said. “[There are] people coming out with a smile on their face saying thank you for helping the community because of the pandemic.”
For the past eleven months, Thompson has been partnering with Freedom Tour Church to provide hand sanitizer, bleach, and other sanitation products to help people disinfect their homes and keep healthy during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Pastor Bobby Williams has been providing the boxes of donated goods, which are then transported to Johnell Caver Your Home For Funerals in Lake Wales to distribute on the second Wednesday of every month.
The Lake Wales Classic Car Club also participates, helping make the deliveries from the church’s distribution center at Eagle Ridge Mall to the funeral home. Arthur Leath, a member of the car club, has been a long-time friend of Thompson and wanted to help her and her cause however he could. He also assists with a similar drive at B Street Community Center.
“I wanted to help her out,” Leath said. “We enjoy doing it. We don’t want no money, no gas money, no nothing, we are just doing it for the people. I cannot wait each Wednesday each month. We look forward to it. It is a great thing, [and we want to] keep it going strong.”
Thompson remains motivated to host the drive every month as her way of doing her part to help combat the pandemic, and she hopes to see it continue going strong, she said.
“The expectations moving forward is that people will use their products in their homes and make sure they will sanitize everything to curtail the virus,” she said.
Those who want to help provide donations can contact Freedom Church by texting them at 77977 or donating through their PayPal or Cashout accounts at “FreedomTour.”
