The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed they are dealing with a situation in the Wahneta Area of Polk County. A this time information is still being gathered, but it is a complexed situation. Details are still being gathered regarding the incident which took place
Lightning Strike Causes Fire at Pineberry Street Residence
Lightning Strike Causes Fire at Pineberry Street Residence
Lakeland, FL – Approximately 4:40 PM on Aug. 12, Lakeland Fire Department (LFD) received a call for a building fire with heavy smoke located at 1639 Pineberry Street. Upon arrival, crews observed smoke coming from a vent in the roof, with fire showing under the structure’s eaves.
Fire crews made entry to the residence, extinguishing the fire within 15 minutes. Crews then ventilated the property, which sustained fire and smoke damage.
The occupant stated they heard a loud bang or explosion on the rooftop; nearby roofers working at a neighboring house alerted the occupant of the fire. The cause was determined to be a lightning strike to the house.
Responding to the scene were 16 LFD units and Polk County Fire Rescue Medic Unit. No firefighter injuries were reported.
Additional information and resources regarding fire safety can be found on our website www.lakelandgov.net/lfd and social media sites @LakelandFD.
Unique Mixed Use Plaza Coming To Northwest Lake Wales
City of Lake Wales Press Release
The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency has agreed to sell a parcel of land at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and B Street on which developers have proposed a mixed-use building that includes both commercial and residential space.
After the city issued a request for proposals, two bids were received to develop the vacant tract, currently owned by both the city and CRA. Florida Development Corporation was unanimously approved as the firm to move forward with its proposal for a two-story building dubbed “LINC Plaza”.
The building’s footprint calls for 6,000 total square feet, including 1,400 in commercial footage, 4,200 for six residential units and 400 square feet of common space. According to company documents, monthly rent on the two-bedroom, one bath residential units – two of which would be on the first floor and four on the second – would be around $800.
“This is what we’ve wanted in that area, the start of reconstructing businesses, and putting business there that are possibly beneficial to the residents that are there,” Mayor Eugene Fultz said. “FDC is a very good corporation to step forward to do this.”
Half of the first floor commercial space could include a food service tenant, or a retail or food market, FDC officials noted.
“The other half of the commercial space could be leased out for office, governmental, and/or non-profit uses,” the firm notes in its 24-page proposal. “Another option for this space would be for business development or shared/co-work space.”
The residential units could accommodate a number of different individuals, developers said.
“These residential units are ideal for empty nesters, young urban professionals and small families alike,” the proposal indicated. “(We) will work with our design-build general contractor to finalize the layouts to best accommodate two bedrooms, one bath, laundry, kitchen, dining and living rooms in each unit. Residential units will incorporate National Green Building Standards in the design and construction, for better energy efficiency and lower operating costs for residents.”
FDC will be working with the city to create a shared parking space that will go toward supporting patrons/residents of the LINC Plaza and the public at large, officials added.
“The outdoor parking and green space area can be blocked off and used to host occasional events such as farmers markets, craft sales and food trucks,” FDC noted.
According to an FDC provided timeline, the firm hopes to submit final building plans to the city in early October, break ground in late February, 2022, and have tenants and residents in place by the first quarter of 2023.
FDC also said the LINC Plaza project would give a financial boost to the city and CRA, while also serving as a catalyst for more development in the historic northwest neighborhood.
“The increased ongoing significant tax base increase from new residences and new commercial space, will continue to add revenue to the city long after this property is completed,” FDC noted in its proposal. “With the addition of new residents living and/or working in the CRA area, this increased activity will catapult meaningful increased traffic and attention to Lincoln Avenue. The economic development stimulus of this substantial investment to the northwest community neighborhood should accelerate further build-out of this neighborhood and the ‘Lake Wales Connected Plan’ beyond.”
FDC estimates that the entire project will cost about $1.6 million. The CRA agreed to the sale of the land for $15,000.
Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District Seeking Multi- County Conservation Technician
The Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking a Multi- County Conservation Technician to assist with the implementation of The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) adopted Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) program. This will include working with the FDACS cost share program, Implementation Verification (IVs). The position will be based in Polk County, but will also require travel to surrounding counties. The applicant should be team oriented, independent and have an agricultural and/or natural resources background, with computer and office management skills. Employment is a grant funded position and ends June,2023. With renewal.
Applicant will be required to perform clerical and field work.
A pre-employment federal background check will be performed.
Although resumes are accepted an application form must be completed and sent to:
Polk Soil and Water Conservation District
1700 US HWY 17 South
Suite #2
Bartow, FL 33830
August 2021
Conservation Technician
Position Description
Summary
This is a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) technical and professional team-oriented position under direction of the supervisor in the Office of Agricultural Water Policy’s (OAWP) in partnership with the Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District (PSWCD). The position will be assisting with the coordination and implementation of FDACS-adopted best management practices (BMPs) and assisting with agricultural related projects with the PSWCD. The primary office of the technician will be in Polk County. The primary area of the technician will be Polk County, but will travel to neighboring counties such as Hardee, Hillsborough, and Highlands County. This position will involve travel to agricultural operations, meetings, and will include a vehicle. These are the primary responsibilities of the technician position:• Conducting evaluations for the OAWP’sImplementation Verification to assure implementation of FDACS-adopted BMPs • Coordinating with partner agencies, follow-up visits with agricultural operations, generating maps, data collection and analysis, and cross-checking parcel identification information. • Assisting the OAWP team with implementation of BMPs and enrollment into the FDACS-adopted BMP Program by conducting on-site field evaluations of agricultural operations using BMP manuals, checklists and other tools to assist producers in enrolling by filing with the FDACS a Notice of Intent (NOI) to Implement BMPs. . • Assisting PSWCD and OAWP with administration, implementation and verification of the BMP cost-share program, such as the review of cost-share projects, invoices and deliverables documentation. • Assisting in education, outreach, and implementation of the FDACS’ responsibilities under the Florida Watershed Restoration Act/Total Maximum Daily Loads Program through producer enrollment in the FDACS-adopted BMP Programs.• Assists in delivery of information to and input from the PSWCD, Extension Service, and the local agricultural community on non-regulatory strategies, cost-share and other incentives, technical assistance needs, and research and demonstration needs. These include assisting the FDACS and the PSWCD by helping plan, and participate in meetings, workshops, field days, and distribution of printed and electronic materials.
Winter Haven Police Asking For Public’s Help In Locating Densley Brown
Winter Haven Police Department
We need help locating Densley Brown!
Mr. Brown (63 yrs old) left his Palmeto Ave. residence on Wednesday morning in his 2010 Blue Hyundai Sonata and has not been heard from. His daughter stated he called her and said he may go to the hospital due to chest pains. He has not been at any area hospitals, nor has his 2010 Blue Hyundai Sonata (FL Tag: MSSUPA) been found.
If anyone knows the whereabouts of Densley Brown please call Detective Chapnick at 863-632-0071.
28 Yr Old Lakeland Man Killed In Sunday Crash
Traffic Homicide investigators from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate a fatal single-vehicle crash which occurred west of Lakeland Sunday afternoon, August 15, 2021.
Deputies and members of Polk County Fire Rescue were dispatched to the crash at the intersection of County Line Road and Pipkin Road West, at around 12:42 PM. Upon their arrival, the driver of the vehicle was found deceased.
The victim was identified as 28-year old Keith Jones of Lakeland. He had been driving a tan, 1997 Chevrolet pickup truck.
Evidence and witness statements indicates that Mr. Jones was driving his truck north on County Line Road and transitioned into the right turn lane.
The truck continued through the intersection and struck a utility panel on the northeast corner of the intersection.
Mr. Jones was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
The northbound lanes of County Line Road and westbound lanes of Pipkin Road were closed for about four hours while investigators and the Crime Scene Unit were on scene
Polk Roads & Drainage Opening Sandbag Fill Sites
Polk Roads & Drainage Opening Sandbag Fill Sites
Bartow, Fla. (Aug. 12, 2021) – Sandbags will be provided to Polk County residents at all Roads and Drainage maintenance units tomorrow and Saturday in preparation of Tropical Depression Fred.
The sites will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
A maximum of 10 sandbags will be provided to each vehicle to help prevent water intrusion into the home. Polk County Roads and Drainage crews will be at the following locations to provide filled sandbags:
- Mulberry – 900 NE 5th St., Mulberry, (863) 519-4734
- Lakeland – 8970 N. Campbell Road, Lakeland (863) 815-6701
- Fort Meade – 1061 NE 9th St., Fort Meade (863) 285-6588
- Frostproof – 350 County Road 630A, Frostproof (863) 635-7879
- Auburndale – 1701 Holt Road, Auburndale (863) 965-5524
- Dundee – 805 Dr. Martin Luther King St. SW, Dundee, (863) 421-3367
- Poinciana – Association of Poinciana Villages (APV) Public Works facility, 2012 Hemlock Ave., Poinciana
Residents living in flood prone areas are encouraged to sandbag their homes. To protect against water damage, follow these simple sandbagging techniques.
At the area where water can enter a structure:
- If not working on concrete, a small ditch should be dug just deep enough to go below ground level. The ditch should be back far enough from the entrance to allow room to place optional submersible (sump) pumps into the protected area. The edge of the plastic sheeting should be placed in the ditch as a bottom layer.
- Place the first row of sandbags in ditch, fold plastic sheeting over the top of first row, place a second row of bags on top, fold plastic sheeting back over, place a third row of bags on top, and so on. This creates an “S” pattern with the plastic sheeting.
- Depending on the size of the barrier, one or more submersible (sump) pumps should be utilized. The barrier will not completely stop water from entering the protected area. However, with the proper placement of bags, plastic sheeting and sump pumps, water, in most cases, can be removed quickly.
35-Year-Old Indiana Woman Charged With Sending Explicit Images to Lakeland Minor
LAKELAND, FL (August 12, 2021) – Detectives with the Lakeland Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit, with the assistance of the Columbia City Police Department in Indiana, have arrested 35-year-old Tabitha Palmer, related to criminal acts involving a minor in Lakeland whom she met online while playing video games.
On June 9, 2021, the parent of the victim, an 11-year-old boy, reported finding inappropriate content of a sexual nature on her son’s tablet. Upon interviewing the victim and a forensic review of his tablet, detectives discovered evidence of an inappropriate online relationship that developed between Palmer and the victim over the course of approximately seven to eight months. Initially, Palmer and the victim met and communicated while playing the online video game Fortnite. In May of this year, Palmer began communicating with the victim on the communications platform Discord, and the context of the messages became increasingly sexual in nature. Over the period of one month, Palmer and the victim exchanged approximately 14,300 messages through the Discord platform. Detectives found a noticeable progression in the sexual nature of messages between Palmer and the victim. Palmer gradually exposed the victim to explicit photographs and conversations, eventually encouraging him to engage in similar behavior.
Upon review of the evidence uncovered, detectives were able to confirm the identity of Palmer and her location. Detectives Cory Lawson and Alex Urra, with the Lakeland Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit, sought and received a warrant for Palmer’s arrest on August 2, 2021. The detectives traveled to Columbia City, Indiana, and with the assistance of the Columbia City Police Department, Palmer was arrested on August 5, 2021. In an interview post-Miranda, Palmer admitted sending lewd images of herself and soliciting indecent images from the victim. Palmer also admitted to sending lewd images to at least three additional juveniles, all of whom are believed to be between 12 and 14 years of age. Investigators are continuing to work to identify the three minors; however, all are believed to reside outside Florida.
Chief Ruben Garcia said, “Thankfully, this child’s parent was vigilant in reviewing the electronic device he was using and reported the illegal content immediately. It is crucial for parents to monitor their child’s digital activity because you never know who is communicating with your child online. We are grateful for the outstanding work of the detectives in this case and the many other efforts the Special Victim’s Unit engages in to safeguard our most vulnerable citizens from those who would prey on them. Tabitha Palmer was charged with (9) counts of Distribution of Harmful Material to a minor [847.0138], (1) count of Computer Pornography; prohibited usage to Seduce, Solicit, Lure or Entice [847.0135 (3)(a)], and (1) count of Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication [934.215]. All of the charges are third-degree felonies. Palmer is currently being held at the Whitely County Jail in Columbia City, Indiana, without bond awaiting extradition to Polk County.
Strapped Towing Owners Arrested For Multiple Felonies Related to Illegal Towing of Vehicles at Mobile Home Park
One of the owners, Michael Denn, previously charged with 2nd degree murder after shooting a man at his tow yard.
On August 11, 2021, PCSO detectives concluded an investigation into illegal towing practices being committed by a Mulberry business, Strapped Towing, specifically within the Stoll Manor Mobile Home Park in Lakeland, and charged the owners, husband and wife Michael and Elissa Denn, with multiple felonies.
The investigation began when PCSO received complaints from residents of the park about Strapped Towing coming into the neighborhood at night, when management wasn’t there, and towing vehicles the business deemed were in violation of a written agreement with Stoll.
Detectives obtained a copy of the written and signed agreement between Stoll Manor and Strapped Towing, which states: “vehicles should be towed IMMEDIATELY if they are ‘blocking exits,’ parked in ‘grass,’ or ‘on the street,’ including ‘boats and trailers.’”
The contract stated that the services were to start on May 15, 2021.
A section on the agreement listed as “violation program” states: “violations will be stickered for the following: jackstands, flat tire(s), immobilized, and no plates. Just below this section in bold print the agreement reads, “All violations will be reported to management via email within 24 hours of being stickered.” Nowhere on the agreement does it mention that Strapped Towing is authorized to tow vehicles for the reasons listed in the “violation program” section – it states the violators will receive a sticker depicting the violation.
Between May 15th and May 16th, 2021, Strapped Towing removed 19 vehicles from inside Stoll Manor, and provided the vehicle owners with the address of 1330 Virginia Street in Mulberry as the storage facility where the vehicles were being taken. Each of the vehicles’ owners had to respond to the Mulberry location and pay cash to recover their vehicles.
According to Google Maps, Stoll Manor Mobile Home Park, located at 1123 Walt Williams Road in Lakeland, is approximately 16.7 miles from Strapped Towing’s storage facility in Mulberry, placing the storage facility well outside of a ten-mile radius of Stoll Manor Mobile Home Park.
Florida Statute 715.07(2a)(1a): In any county with a population of more than 500,000, any vehicle towed must be stored within a 10-mile radius from the point of removal. Violation of this statute is a third degree felony.
The Strapped Towing trucks that were used to tow vehicles from the park were marked with the name of the business, a phone number, and “Lakeland, FL.” (see attached photos)
Florida Statute 715.07(2a)(7): Any person, or towing firm, conducting a private property tow without consent of the owner shall, on any vehicle used to tow, have the name, address, and telephone number of the company performing the tow. Violation of this statute is a third degree felony.
The 19th vehicle towed by Strapped, on May 16, 2021, belonged to Juan Barroso-Muriel’s brother-in-law. A neighbor witnessed and filmed the event, which shows Juan, his brother-in-law, and his brother-in-law’s wife, pleading with Michael Denn to allow them to keep the vehicle there on premises. The vehicle is seen parked partially under a carport (not on grass, or on the street, or blocking an exit). The vehicle’s owner is seen holding the vehicle’s tag. Denn tows the vehicle despite this.
Florida Statute 715.07(2a)(3): During the process of any private property tow for a vehicle being unlawfully parked, if a person seeks the return of the vehicle, the tow must be stopped. The vehicle must be returned upon payment of a reasonable fee of not more than one-half of the posted rate. The vehicle can only be towed after the owner or legally authorized person in control of the vehicle is offered a reasonable opportunity to pay and they are unable to pay. Violation of this statute is a third degree felony.
Polk County Ordinance 10.3-63 sets the administrative fee, a one-time charge that a towing service may legally impose once the vehicle has been placed in the storage area, of $45.00 plus $10.00 per certified letter sent after three days in storage, not to exceed $75.00 total.
On May 16th, Michael and Elissa Denn violated FSS 715.07(2a)(3) by not stopping the tow in progress when confronted by the owner, and not offering the vehicle owner an opportunity to pay a reasonable fee at that time (which, per ordinance, is not to exceed one-half of the posted rate).
As previously released, the next day, May 17th, Michael Denn fatally shot Juan Barroso-Muriel* at the Strapped Towing storage area in Mulberry when Juan responded there with his brother-in-law to retrieve that towed vehicle and an altercation ensued. Denn was arrested and charged with second degree murder on May 18, 2021. He has been in the Polk County Jail since that time, and is being additionally charged with 21 felonies related to the illegal towing (19 counts storing vehicles outside 10-mile radius, one count failure to have address properly marked on tow vehicle, one count failure to stop tow at owner’s request).
Click here to read that news release: https://tinyurl.com/3wf8kzfm
Elissa Denn was arrested on August 11, 2021, and booked into the Polk County Jail for:
· Two counts failure to have address properly marked on private property tow vehicle (F3)
· 19 counts storing vehicles outside of a 10-mile radius from removal location (F3)
*Juan’s name is being released with permission from his family.
Polk County’s Fourth Rabies Case of the Year Confirmed
On August 10, 2021, Polk County Animal Control responded to a home on Fussell Road in Polk City, where a fox bit a man while he was working on his boat. The man fought the fox off, and when the animal charged at him again, he dispatched the fox.
The victim called Animal Control, and the Animal Control Officers collected the fox carcass and sent it to the state laboratory in Tampa for testing.
On Wednesday, August 11th, the results of the test confirmed that the fox was infected with rabies.
The victim was notified of the positive test result and has begun the appropriate medical treatment. There have been three prior confirmed rabies cases in Polk County so far this year. This is the second case involving a fox in 2021, while the other two cases involved a bat and a racoon.