A Bartow man apparently drowned Wednesday, July 6, 2022, after he and another man fell from a small aluminum boat in a Mulberry pond while fishing.
The body of 62-year old Bruce Morgan was recovered by divers from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Underwater Search and Rescue Team (USART) at about 8:52 p.m.
The other man was identified as 50-year old William Franklin from Mulberry. He told deputies that he attempted to help Mr. Morgan but started to become entangled in the thick underwater vegetation.
“This is such a tragedy…our prayers are with Mr. Morgan’s family and friends. What makes this drowning more tragic is that it could have been avoided with the required safety equipment such as life jackets or floatation devices. I cannot stress enough how important it is for each person on a watercraft to have some sort of safety equipment to help keep them afloat in situations like this.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Deputies and Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched at around 4:47 p.m. Wednesday to the pond which is located north of Arnaz Drive.
Divers located the boat approximately 50 yards off shore in about 12 feet of water.
Mr. Morgan was found about 20 yards from shore in about 9 feet of water.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating a crash between a motorcycle and van which resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to another.
The crash occurred Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at about 4:07 p.m. on Berkley Road in Auburndale.
Also responding to the scene were Auburndale Police, Auburndale Fire, and Polk County Fire Rescue.
The driver of the motorcycle was identified as 50-year old Michael Hamilton of Lakeland. He and his female passenger, 46-year old Jeana Wright of Auburndale, were killed when the black 2004 Honda Shadow motorcycle they were on slammed into the side of a burgundy 2012 Honda Odyssey van, driven by a 79-year old woman from Lake Alfred. She remains hospitalized in stable condition. Her 20-year old passenger was not injured.
According to the preliminary investigation, PCSO detectives attempted a traffic stop on Mr. Hamilton on eastbound Old Dixie Highway at Berkley Road, after they noticed the tag registration didn’t match the motorcycle.
After the detective activated emergency lights, the motorcycle turned onto Berkley Road and began to accelerate. Upon realization that Hamilton was fleeing, the detective deactivated the emergency equipment and discontinued efforts to stop him.
The motorcycle continued northbound at a high rate of speed while it approached the intersection of Oak Crossing Boulevard.
The driver of the van was stopped at the intersection at the Oak Crossing neighborhood. She then began to turn left, into the southbound lanes of Berkley Road.
The motorcycle struck the van at a high rate of speed right behind the driver’s seat. Hamilton and Wright were ejected from the motorcycle and landed inside of the van.
“Two witnesses confirmed that the motorcycle passed them at a high rate of speed, and there were no law enforcement vehicles or emergency lights in sight, and they heard no sirens. Detectives recognized right away that Hamilton was being reckless, so they disengaged. He fled from law enforcement one time too many; this time it cost him his life. Had Hamilton survived the crash, he would have been charged with the death of his passenger.”- Grady Judd, Sheriff
Michael Hamilton has an extensive arrest history which includes two convictions of fleeing to elude law enforcement. His driver’s license is currently revoked, he has no motorcycle endorsement, and has had 15 previous license suspensions. His prior criminal history includes arrests for grand theft motor vehicle (4x), driving without a license and causing death or serious injury, theft, trespassing, and numerous drug possessions.
Lakeland Celebrates Red, White, And Kaboom for 22nd Year
by James Coulter
The City of Lakeland celebrated the country of the red, white, and blue with the red, white, and kaboom of fireworks during its annual Fourth of July celebration on Sunday.
Despite the cloudy, rainy weather earlier that day, several hundred residents and guests congregated along Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror in Downtown Lakeland for an evening of patriotic festivities.
Several dozen food trucks lined the lakeside park area, as well as gathered within Munn Park, to provide attendees with a selection of food as diverse as America itself, from hot dogs and funnel cake to plenty of exotic dishes.
Attendees could also listen to music performed by Andrew Love and the Franchise Band on the concert stage and peruse several dozen vendors from local organizations. Many including the Polk Supervisor of Election and Women’s Democratic Party of Polk County encouraged people to perform their civic duty and vote in the upcoming elections by registering to vote.
The big finale, of course, were the fireworks. After a day of grey skies, the dark clouds parted the night sky clear, allowing for several hundred colorful fireworks to launch within a spectacular patriotic display.
The fireworks show, along with most of the event, was sponsored by T. Mims Corp, a local real estate development and investment firm. For the past 12 years, Tom Mims. President & CEO, and his business have sponsored the annual event.
He loves seeing the community coming together to celebrate unity through patriotism. Most of all, he enjoys giving back to the community that has allowed his business to thrive, he said.
“It is a great time for people to get together,” he said. “The community has been amazing to us, we have grown up here our whole lives. [We love] just seeing the kids play and the families get together and enjoy the fireworks…It is just a great event that brings the community together.”
Aside from allowing the Lakeland community to come together to celebrate their country, Red, White, and Kaboom also allows them the opportunity to give back to their community by donating canned food items to VISTE, Volunteers in Service of the Elderly. The local non-profit organization helps at-home senior citizens enjoy a comfortable, independent lifestyle by providing them the food and supplies they need.
For 18 years, volunteers from VISTE push around empty shopping carts to ask people for donations of canned food and other grocery items. Being able to host their food drive during the most patriotic event of the year makes them feel especially connected to the people in their community and country, Steve Bissonnette, VISTE President.
“Everyone has a parent or a grandparent. We all have a personal understanding of what it means to care for the elderly so it is great to have the whole community involved out here,” he said. “I like to see the whole community come together like this, whatever event, and the celebration. We are grateful they are providing us food.”
For the past 22 years, Red, White, and Kaboom has united the Lakeland community to celebrate their love of country and city. The event was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but was re-hosted the following year. This year’s event had high expectations to be larger than the previous years, and the turnout that evening did not disappoint, said Kevin Cook, Communications Director with the City of Lakeland.
“I enjoy the fact that the whole community is coming together,” he said. “We don’t care if you are red, white, or blue for this event. We just look forward to the fireworks and great entertainment.”
Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a serious bodily injury crash which occurred Sunday, July 3, 2022. The crash occurred around 2:45 pm on S.R. 17 (Scenic Hwy) just South of Nest Egg Rd.
According to Brian Bruchey, public information officer, with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office two older teens were injured in the crash. An 18 yr old male was transported via helicopter for medical attention and a 19 yr old males was transported via ambulance.
According to witnesses at the scene one young man was non-responsive. Polk County Sheriff’s Office hasn’t released names and couldn’t give an update on how the two young men were doing.
It appeared that the crash involved at least one 4 wheeler and possibly a dirt bike motorcycle as the other vehicle. PCSO advised that neither of the young men was wearing a helmet.
CITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING OFFICIAL AGENDA July 5, 2022 6:00 p.m. Municipal Administration Building Commission Chambers 201 W. Central Avenue Lake Wales, FL 33853
1.
INVOCATION
2.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.
ROLL CALL
4.
CALL TO ORDER
5.
COMMENTS AND PETITIONS
Public participation from residents, taxpayers, business owners, and utility customers is encouraged. The City Commission welcomes information that would assist them in considering agenda items, City business, and otherwise fulfilling the City’s mission to make Lake Wales “a bit better or more beautiful” for its citizens.
Anyone wishing to speak should give their name, state if they are a resident, taxpayer, business owner, or utility customer and they will have 5 minutes. Courtesy and respect is the hallmark. Speakers are expected to address the Commission and not audience members, and not engage in back and forth discussions that can deteriorate into argument, debate and accusations.
Questions about subject matter are best directed to city staff during normal business hours
6.
CONSENT AGENDA
Any member of the public can ask the City Commission to pull a consent item for separate discussion and vote that they would like to make comment on.
6.I.
Minutes – June 29, 2022, June 21, 2022, February 15, 2022, March 30, 2022
Janie Howard Wilson Elementary – Florida Avenue Temporary Road Closure At Scenic Highway
The City Commission will consider a request to allow the staff of Janie Howard Wilson Elementary to close Florida Avenue at Scenic Highway on school days 30 (thirty) minutes prior to school beginning until 10 (ten) minutes after and 30 (thirty) minutes prior to dismissal until 10 (ten) minutes after.
Polk State College has applied to host a special event called Start Right Campaign on July 23, 2022. They request closure of Central Avenue between Second Avenue and Market Street between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
ORDINANCE 2022-13 Annexation – 2nd Reading And Public Hearing 23.66 Acres Of Land South Of Passion Play Road And West Of 11th Street South
Ordinance 2022-13 proposes the voluntary annexation of approximately 23.66 acres of land south of Passion Play Road and west of 11th Street South, and contiguous to the incorporated City limits.
ORDINANCE D2022-15 1st Reading And Public Hearing – Future Land Use Amendment For 15.98 Acres Of Land North Of State Road 60 E. And East Of Evergreen Drive
Trinity Baptist Church requests approval of City Commission to amend the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan on approximately 15.98 acres of land.
ORDINANCE 2022-21 Annexation – 2nd Reading And Public Hearing 102.06 Acres Of Land North Of Mountain Lake Cutoff Road And West Of US Highway 27
Ordinance 2022-21 proposes the voluntary annexation of approximately 102.06 acres of land north of Mountain Lake Cutoff Road and west of US Highway 27, and contiguous to the incorporated City limits.
ORDINANCE D2022-09 2nd Reading And Public Hearing – Future Land Use Amendment For 23.66 Acres Of Land South Of Passion Play Road And West Of 11th Street South
The McKenna Family requests approval of City Commission to amend the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan on parcels of land totaling approximately 23.66 acres.
ORDINANCE D2022-10 2nd Reading And Public Hearing Zoning Map Amendment For 23.66 Acres Of Land South Of Passion Play Road And West Of 11th Street South
The McKenna Family requests approval of City Commission to amend the Zoning Map on parcels of land totaling approximately 23.66 acres.
ORDINANCE D2022-13 2nd Reading And Public Hearing – Future Land Use For Approximately 208 Acres Of Land South Of Lake Mabel Loop Road, East Of Scenic Highway North, North Of Masterpiece Road, And West Of Tower Road
Shelton T. Rice, authorized agent for owner, requests approval of City Commission to amend the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan on the above-mentioned parcels totaling approximately 208 acres of land.
ORDINANCE D2022-14 2nd Reading And Public Hearing – Zoning Amendment For 208 Acres Of Land South Of Lake Mabel Loop Road, East Of Scenic Highway North, North Of Masterpiece Road, And West Of Tower Road
Shelton T. Rice, authorized agent for owner, requests approval of City Commission to amend the Zoning Map on the above-mentioned parcels totaling approximately 208 acres of land.
Resolution 2022-19 is for the purpose of releasing and disclaiming statutory mineral reservations which impact portions of the former Mayfair development property.
ORDINANCE 2022-35 Updates To Chapter 12 Health, Sanitation, Nuisances, And Minimum Property Maintenance Standards – 1st Reading And Public Hearing
Staff proposes amendments to sections of the Health, Sanitation, Nuisances, and Minimum Property Maintenance Standards (Chapter 12, Lake Wales Code of Ordinances).
ORDINANCE D2022-19 1st Reading And Public Hearing – Future Land Use Amendment For 16.43 Acres Of Land North Of Hunt Brothers Road, East Of US Highway 27 And Miami Street.
Bryan Hunter, authorized agent for owner, is requesting a recommendation to City Commission to amend the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan on above-mentioned parcels of land totaling approximately 16.43 acres.
ORDINANCE D2022-20 1st Reading And Public Hearing – Zoning Amendment For 16.43 Acres Of Land North Of Hunt Brothers Road, East Of US Highway 27 And Miami Street.
Bryan Hunter, authorized agent for owner, is requesting a recommendation to City Commission to amend the Zoning Map on above-mentioned parcels of land totaling approximately 16.43 acres.
Ridgecrest – Preliminary Subdivision Plat Approval / Special Exception Use Permit Approval For A Residential Planned Development Project (PDP) – Public Hearing
Bryan Hunter, authorized agent for owner, is requesting a recommendation of approval to City Commission, of a 1,020-lot single family Preliminary Subdivision Plat and a Special Exception Use Permit for a Residential PDP on approximately 312.7 acres of land south of Russell Avenue West, west of 1st Street South, north of Hunt Brothers Road, and east of US Highway 27.
ORDINANCE 2022-24 Annexation – 2nd Reading And Public Hearing 17.23 Acres Of Land South Of Waverly Road And West Of C F Kinney Road
Ordinance 2022-24 proposes the voluntary annexation of approximately 17.23 acres of land south of Waverly Road and west of C F Kinney Road, and contiguous to the incorporated City limits.
(The staff memos arenot incorporated into the official record)
Minutes of the City Commission meeting can be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office. The minutes are recorded, but are not transcribed verbatim. Persons requiring a verbatim transcript may make arrangements with the City Clerk to duplicate the recording, or arrange to have a court reporter present at the meeting. The cost of duplication and/or court reporter will be the expense of the requesting party.
In accordance with Section 286.26, Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities needing special accommodations to participate in this meeting should contact the City Clerk’s office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day prior to the meeting.
Appeals concerning decisions on issues requiring a public hearing:
Persons who wish to appeal any decision made by the City Commission with respect to any matter considered during a public hearing at this meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose may need to ensure that verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based.
Ever since he could pick up a pencil, J.C. Alexandre has been passionate about expressing himself through the written word. He has enjoyed an illustrious decade-long career as an award-winning journalist. He now hopes to jump into the world of fiction with his debut fantasy novel, The Light Prince: Grail, now available on Amazon in e-book and paperback: https://amzn.to/3bFTCfG For more information about him and his work, visit his website at: https://jcalexandre.com/
LAKELAND, FL (July 3, 2022) – On Saturday, July 2, 2022, at approximately 4:47 p.m., uniform patrol officers responded to the Big Oaks Apartments, located at 1586 Big Oaks Drive, in reference to a shooting. On scene, officers located a 24-year-old male victim inside an apartment with a gunshot wound. Officers immediately began securing the location and rendering aid until emergency medical responders from Lakeland Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue arrived. The victim was transported to Lakeland Regional Health, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Detectives responded to the scene and began processing evidence and interviewing potential witnesses, including the multiple people who shared the apartment. While it is very early in the investigation, this does not appear to be a random act.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Troy Smith at 863.834.8958or [email protected].
Or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida:
Or download the free “P3tips” app on your smartphone or tablet.
Tipsters will always remain anonymous when sending a tip through Crime Stoppers and could be eligible for a cash reward if the information leads to an arrest.
The name of the victim is being withheld in accordance with Marsy’s Law. There is no additional information available at this time. When available, additional information will be provided via media release.
Update: Mr. Garrison turned himself in peacefully at the Polk Sheriff’s Office jail yesterday afternoon (July5th) where he was taken into custody.
LWPD 1st Press Release
On Friday, July 1, 2022 at approximately 9:25 PM, Lake Wales police officers responded to the Garden Apartments located 504 South 4th Street, Lake Wales regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found one victim with gunshot wounds. Polk County Fire Rescue transported this victim to a hospital for treatment.
During the investigation, officers identified the suspect as Aaron Devon Garrison age 27 of Bartow. Officers learned Garrisonshot the victim in front of apartment 3A. Witnesses stated Garrison had been arguing with a person upstairs. Garrison then walked downstairs where a group of males asked him if he was okay. Garrison exchanged words with the group, pulled a pistol, and fired at the group multiple times striking the victim twice. Garrison also shot through the window of a nearby apartment narrowly missing the resident within. Garrison is believed to have then entered the passenger side of a white or light colored van before it drove off.
Detective Arana obtained an arrest warrant for Garrisoncharging him with attempted 2nd degree murder, shooting into an occupied dwelling, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Garrison has a violent criminal past to include robbery with a firearm and battery on officer, firefighter, EMT for which he spent almost five years in prison from 2015-2020. Garrison should be considered armed and dangerous. Please contact law enforcement immediately if you see Garrison or know of his location.
The victim shot in this case was treated and released.
The Lake Wales Police Department worked relentlessly tonight on this case with the assistance of the Polk County Sheriff’sOffice to work the crime scene and attempt to locate Garrison in locations throughout the city and county. The Lake Wales Police Department works tirelessly to serve and protect their community, and hates to see their citizens victimized, especially by violent reoffenders. This remains an active case, whichDetectives are still investigating. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Detective David Arana with the Lake Wales Police Department at 863-678-4223 ext. 269.
Or, if you would like to stay anonymous and be eligible for a CASH REWARD through Heartland Crime Stoppers:
Local Home Inspector Teaches Community Members About Their Homes And About The Importance Of Faith
By Allison Williams
Curt Kniffin, Home Inspector of Boomers Property Services in Polk County has lived in Florida for the past 33 years. Not only is he a certified inspector who helps people with both commercial and residential inspections, but he is also a man of faith and is heavily involved with volunteer work across Polk County.
Background on Curt
Curt started construction at the young age of 15 up in the north. Living in Florida for the past three decades he has gained extensive experience working with local county inspectors and local contractors. He works with both commercial properties as well as residential properties.
“I’ve worked for companies that put lipstick on the pig, so to speak,” he said. “So I know the tricks of the trade, if you will.”
For many years prior, Curt was a construction coordinator for Habitat for Humanity in the lower parts of the Florida Keys. During his nine years with Habitat, they built 60 homes and completed rehab work on hundreds. The Florida Keys in known for historic homes, and many of the homes Curt rehabbed were historical homes.
In 2010 alone, his team was completing about 300 rehabs in a single month.
He also spent several years in commercial construction, where he built various fitness clubs and rehabbed retail facilities.
When Curt was just 12 years of age, his mother was killed by a drunk truck driver and he had to go live with his father. This is where the name of his current business, Boomers Property Services stemmed from. He learned at a young age the importance of personal relationships and personal touch. Being a part of the end of the baby boomer era, he came up with his company name.
“The baby boomers crowd seems to be the crowd who is more willing to work hard no matter what it takes to get the job done,” Curt said. He added, “Today’s 30- or 40-year-olds, are more of a non-confrontational crowd, where they’re used to texting and emailing and having a digital relationship. The baby boomers are about personal relationships and building a human relationship, shaking hands, personal meetings, and talking with people; whereas this new generation is about zoom meetings, distancing and getting things done without that personal touch. We always welcome and accommodate both. I’m not disparaging to the younger crowd. It’s just a new and different way that works for them, and gets the job done. We’re flexible.”
Adding that personal touch is an important part of what Curt does with Boomers Property Services. He never rushes his inspections. It is most important to him to get a complete and comprehensive report while taking his time, no matter what at the end of the day. He looks deeper and is never about how many he can get done, but is about how complete can he get this one inspection done.
“The client really needs an advocate,” Curt believes. “They need a third party, independent, non-biased opinion of this house.”
Curt doesn’t offer summaries and opinions after completing an inspection. That is not what it’s about. His job isn’t to recommend whether a client should proceed with a house purchase for example. His job is to report what he sees and finds. He does not have nor give an opinion.
“I’m obligated, morally obligated to write down what I see,” he said. “I’m not concerned about the deal whatsoever. What I’m concerned about is making sure that the house is safe, secure and sound for decades to come.”
Curt’s honest work carries through to his volunteer work. He is heavily involved in the community, for both youth and for adults. He is sponsoring the Lakeland High School Dreadknaughts football program as well as the Lake Gibson High school football program this year. His sponsorship will allow him to hang a banner and have a logo in each football program. They are even going to hand out business coupons to help the community save money on inspections. He is supporting the youth while helping people save money on inspections.
“I’m always happy to support the youth because like I said my mom was killed when I was 12 and I’ve just been on my own ever since,” Curt said. “I think it’s a shame that people don’t support our youth and encourage them along the way because I surely didn’t get that growing up.”
Curt is also a man of faith. He belongs to Faith Baptist Church and also volunteers every second Saturday at the Lighthouse Ministry.
“It’s a ministry that helps people put their lives back together when they’re ready to put down the drugs and alcohol and clean up their lives,” Curt said. “The Lighthouse provides them food, shelter, clothing, and even work to where they can stay there, and part of their salary goes into a savings account so they can get back out on their own.”
He just signed up as well to become a mentor/discipleship, where he will visit weekly to give people outside support and encouragement.
“I do my best to give back to the community as much as I can,” Curt said. “I love to teach people.”
Whether it is teaching people how to live a life of faith or teaching people about their homes, Curt is always lending a helping hand.
Convicted felon who pulls handgun on deputies shot
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deputy-involved shooting in the Wahneta area of unincorporated Winter Haven. No deputies were injured.
According to the preliminary investigation, at about 3:45 p.m. Thursday afternoon, June 30, 2022, detectives were following-up on information that a man in the area was possibly in possession of a stolen handgun and may have been involved with a stolen motorcycle.
The two detectives spotted a white male suspect who matched the description given, walking on Avenue A West near 17th Street West. The detectives, who were wearing vests marked with SHERIFF, stopped and attempted to make contact with him.
The suspect, later identified as 31 year old Brent Conley, abruptly pulled out a hand gun on the detectives.
Fearing for their lives and safety, one of the detectives fired his handgun at Conley to stop the threat. The detectives then began life-saving measures on Conley and requested medical assistance from Polk County Fire Rescue.
Conley was transported to a local hospital for treatment, and was last reported in critical but stable condition. The handgun Conley had is a 9mm handgunit was recovered at the scene and was loaded.
“When you pull a gun on my deputies, they have an obligation to protect themselves and othersyou can expect to be shot.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Conley has a prior criminal history consisting of 12 felonies and 9 misdemeanors which includes charges for Aggravated Battery, Burglary, Obstruction, Battery on LEO, Theft, Resisting, and Drug Possessions. He was released from the Polk County Jail on May 12, 2022 (arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Paraphernalia, and Resisting). He was released from Florida State Prison on August 8, 2021.
Standard protocol for all deputy-involved shootings includes three independent investigations: PCSO will conduct a criminal investigation, PCSO Administrative Investigations will conduct an administrative inquiry, and the State Attorney’s Office will conduct a separate investigation.
