COOKING ON THE RIDGE: STRAWBERRY CHANTILLY

Cooking On The Ridge

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June 2, 2016

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COOKING ON THE RIDGE: Strawberry Chantilly

strawberry Chantilli

Ingredients

Prep 30 m
Cook 20 m
Ready In 1 d 50 m

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
Mix flour, sugar and butter until crumbly. Stir in chopped walnuts.
Press two-thirds of the mixture in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish; the remaining crumble will be used for the topping. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Cool crust completely.
In large deep bowl, stir together egg whites, sugar (see Cook’s Note), strawberries, and lemon juice. Whip with electric mixer at high speed for 10 minutes.
In another mixing bowl, whip whipping cream until stiff and fold into strawberry mixture. Spread over cooled crust. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Freeze for 6 hours or overnight before serving.

Mulberry Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested

Mulberry

Staff Reporter

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June 2, 2016

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Polk County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

On Wednesday, June 1, 2016, PCSO Robbery detectives arrested 66-year-old Vaughn Howard of 3992 Laurel Crest Drive in Mulberry for Solicitation to Commit Robbery, and Robbery, for the Centerstate Bank robbery that occurred on May 25, 2016.

The following is an excerpt from his affidavit, and is self-explanatory:

On 05/25/2016 at approximately 1208 hours a bank robbery occurred at the Centerstate Bank located at 4719 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, Florida.

According to the victims and witnesses, an unknown older white male wearing blue jeans, a long-sleeved blue shirt, sunglasses, and a hat walked into the bank and approached the teller and passed her a note written on a white piece of ripped paper written in pencil which advised the following, “Give me all of your 100’s, 50’s, 20’s. I am armed. This is not a joke. No alarms” and also said something like “I’ll shoot.” While the teller was reading the note the suspect began yelling at her to hurry up and give it back (referring to the note) while taking the note back away from her. The teller gave the suspect all of the $100’s, $50’s, and $20’s which were in her drawer. The suspect then fled the bank in an unknown direction.

Detectives obtained surveillance video from Centerstate Bank which corroborated the victim and witness statements of the incident. The exterior camera captures the south side of the business pointing towards the entrance to the bank as well as the Kmart business located at 4717 South Florida Avenue. At approximately 1205 hours a light colored Ford Taurus is observed pulling into the parking lot area of Kmart, driving past the entrance of the bank. The exterior camera which captures the drive thru area then captures the vehicle traveling west past the bank, looping around, and backing into a parking spot located just west south west of the bank. The suspect is observed exiting the vehicle and walking east towards the bank. The suspect is then captured back on the south exterior camera walking towards the entrance/exit of the bank. The suspect is then captured by the ATM surveillance cameras which provides a close image of the side of the suspects face prior to entering and again upon exiting the bank. The interior cameras provide several views which show the suspect approach the teller, pass her a note, and her providing the suspect the money prior to him exiting the bank. The suspect then exits the bank and is observed on all exterior cameras returning back to the vehicle in which he arrived. The suspect is observed as an older white male wearing blue jeans, a buttoned-up long-sleeved light blue shirt, straw style hat with a black cord around it, what appears to be a ball cap underneath the straw hat, and glasses.

On 05/31/2016 PCSO was advised by a source that the suspect was possibly known by the name of “Vaughn,” was in his 60’s, was arrested approximately five months prior, and was overheard talking about robbing the bank. The suspect, Vaughn Howard, met the description provided by the source.

A second source was also located, positively identifying Vaughn as the bank robbery suspect. This source saw Vaughn with a large amount of money days after the robbery occurred.

On 06/01/2016, a third source told PCSO detectives that Vaughn confessed to her that he robbed the bank and told her the following details: Vaughn stated he walked into the bank on South Florida Avenue, approached the teller, and handed her a note. Vaughn made a statement to the teller to not call law enforcement and there better not be any trouble. The teller gave him the cash which was placed inside a bag. Vaughn exited the bank and left the area. Vaughn informed her he had a handgun in his pocket during the bank robbery. Vaughn said he committed the bank robbery because he owed debt for drugs and also needed extra money to hide out with. After telling her he committed the bank robbery, Vaughn informed her he was wanting to rob a bank in Brandon, Florida. Vaughn wanted her to be the get-away driver and have her rent hotels in her name. Vaughn had an elaborate plan to rob banks through the State of Florida until enough money was gathered to flee comfortably.

On 06/01/2016 detectives contacted an acquaintance of Vaughn’s, who provided a sworn recorded statement. He stated he was approached by Vaughn approximately four weeks ago about committing a bank robbery. Vaughn wanted him to be a get-away driver while Vaughn committed the robbery. He did not think Vaughn was serious. On Tuesday, May 31, 2016, he was informed Vaughn committed a bank robbery. He was also shown images on social media which were disseminated to the public through the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and the news release. He confirmed the identity of Vaughn Howard, and stated he was without a doubt certain the pictured suspect is Vaughn Howard. He stated he was with Vaughn when Vaughn purchased a garden style hat that looks identical to the hat worn in the surveillance video picture. He stated Vaughn’s brother has a mid-2000s model Ford Taurus, and he has seen Vaughn drive the Ford Taurus on one occasion.

On June 1, 2016, PCSO Robbery Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Vaughn Howard, and took him into custody without incident. He remains in the Polk County Jail on no bond until a first appearance hearing at 1:00 p.m. today (June 2, 2016). Detectives also served a search warrant at Vaughn’s home, and seized items related to the bank robbery. These items are being processed at this time.

Howard has previous arrests in Polk County, for grand theft of motor vehicle, possession of meth, possession of paraphernalia, burglary, petit theft, and VOP.

Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center Opened This Week

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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June 2, 2016

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Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center Opened This Week

Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center is Open
Address: 325 S. Scenic Highway, Lake Wales Florida 33853
Regular Hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9am to 5pm
Admission: Free
The Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center and the City of Lake Wales is pleased to announce the reopening
of the Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center this week starting Tuesday, May 31st. The Museum will feature
new exhibits beginning with the foundation of Lake Wales in 1911. Exhibits explore the formation of the
city, industry, places of interest as well as exploring developments in the 19th century that led to the
settlement of the area.

The Museum is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact the Museum at: 863.676.1759 or follow us on
Twitter: @LWDepot_Museum
Facebook: Lake Wales Depot Museum and Cultural Center

Omar Morrero Arrested In Death Of Bradley Smith

Winter Haven

Staff Reporter

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June 2, 2016

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Omar Morrero Arrested In Death Of Bradley Smith

Winter Haven, Florida

Press Release

Winter Haven Police have arrested 27 year-old Omar Miguel Marrero (DOB 7-31-88, 713 Platypus Ct., Kissimmee, FL) in the death of Steven Bradley Smith after a final autopsy concluded the cause of Smith’s death was due to blunt force trauma. (See the original release from the incident below) Marrero was taken into custody at the Winter Haven Police Department on 6-1-16.

During the investigation, Detectives obtained a search warrant for Marrero’s phone based on a text message that was reportedly sent to Sherrick Forrester just prior to the incident. Forrester, along with Ryan Donley, were with Marrero and Smith at the restaurant.

The text message sent from Marrero to Forrester implied impending violence after Smith and Marrero had a verbal disagreement inside of the restaurant. The message read, “I’M ABOUT TO SWING IN THIS NIGGA.”

Based on the investigation and the autopsy results, Detectives arrested and charged Marrero with Manslaughter (F1). Marrero was booked into the Polk County Jail.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

WINTER HAVEN – Winter Haven Detectives are investigating the death of a 24 year-old Auburndale man after an altercation in a parking lot landed him in the hospital where he later died.

On 4-8-16 at approximately 6:30 p.m., a 9-1-1 call was received from a patron of Floridino’s restaurant (1919 8th St., NW, Winter Haven) who indicated he saw someone lying on the ground with a group of people around him. The initial call was answered by the Winter Haven Fire Department and Polk County EMS as a medical call.

Winter Haven officers arrived and determined that the man on the ground, 24 year-old Steven Bradley Smith (116 Lighter Log Lane, Auburndale) was unresponsive and EMS personnel were performing CPR. Ultimately, Smith was transported to Winter Haven Hospital and then transferred to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa where he died.

Smith had been at the restaurant with co-workers 25 year-old Sherrick Forrester, 24 year-old Ryan Donley and 27 year-old Omar Marrero. The four work together at the Aldi Distribution Center and were there following their shift. As the four talked, Marrero and Smith had a disagreement regarding work, but witnesses state the argument was not heated.

Forrester and Donley walked out, with Marrero and Smith following behind. At some point there was a physical altercation between Marrero and Smith, although there reportedly was no yelling nor did anyone see the altercation. Donley and Forrester were standing at their vehicles when they turned to see Smith lying on the ground. As Forrester and Donley rushed over to see what was going on, Marrero got into his vehicle and left.

Detectives were able to locate Marrero and he initially told Detectives that he punched Smith in self-defense after Smith slapped his hand away. Marrerro indicated that he reached out in a non-aggressive manner in an attempt to make amends.

At this time, there are no witnesses to the actual altercation; therefore additional interviews are being conducted.

Polk County’s First Confirmed Rabies Case Of 2016 In Lake Wales

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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June 2, 2016

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Polk County’s First Confirmed Rabies Case Of 2016 In Lake Wales

Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section confirmed on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, the first positive Rabies case in Polk County for 2016.

On Sunday, May 29, 2016, a Lake Wales man reported that his four dogs were fighting with a raccoon in the area of 2900 Fast Trot Trail.

The PCSO Animal Control Section responded, impounded the raccoon, and sent its body to the state lab for rabies testing. The raccoon was confirmed positive for rabies by the State Laboratory on Wednesday, June 1st.

The dogs’ owner was notified of the test results and the dogs will be quarantined for 180 days.

Residents are reminded that raccoons are among the mammals considered to be high risk species or “rabies vector species” (RVS). Please do not approach any animal which is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner. If you think you or your pet has had an “exposure,” please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.499.2600.

Haines City PD K-9 & PCSO K-9 Apprehend Armed Home Invaders

Staff Reporter

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May 31, 2016

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Haines City PD K-9 & PCSO K-9 Apprehend Armed Home Invaders

Davenport, Florida – On Sunday, May 29, 2016 Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to a home in Davenport. According to the arrest affidavit two suspects, Seymour Junior Mack DOB 5-11-1982 & Seymour Cantrell Mack 3-30-2002, broke into a home in Davenport armed with a shotgun & pistol. The home was the residence of Seymour Junior Mack ex and Seymour Cantrell Mack’s mother, Emily Subers. According to reports Mack was upset that his ex was now in a relationship with another man, Jermaine Hill. That man and the mother had been seen previously together by another of the son of Mack’s. According to reports the Mack allegedly hadn’t been with Subers in over a year and half. He hadn’t been in her residence in over 6 months.

The home invasion occurred around 3:05 am. The suspects broke in struck Embers in the head, with the shotgun, as she was trying to block them from getting to Jermaine Hill. He was in a bedroom with his two children when the attack occurred. Hill fled out of a bedroom window and was chased by the two suspects. Embers was on the floor calling 911 when this occurred.

Eventually the two suspects got into their vehicle a black Chevy Impala. They were spotted on BOLO by Haines City PD. A traffic stop was attempted, but the suspects fled. Eventually ditching the car and fleeing on foot near Hwy 27 & Patterson Rd. A Haines City K-9 apprehended Seymour Cantrell Mack and a Polk County Sheriff’s Office K-9 apprehended Seymour Junior Mack. The suspects both had to be transported to Heart of Florida Hospital for K-9 bites. Both suspects were warned prior to the dogs being released to surrender and neither complied.

Seymour Junior Mack is currently being held on $32,000 bond for Aggravated Assault Deadly Weapon WO Intent Kill, Armed Burglary with Assault/Battery, Domestic Violence-Aggravated Assault Deadly WO Intent Kill (x2), Parent Guardian Allow Unlawful Possession Firearm, Cannabis Possession Not More Than 20 grams.

Local Newspaper Has Layoffs

Staff Reporter

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May 31, 2016

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Bartow, Florida – Some people were told in an email and others were told at a meeting. The end result was several people lost their job. The Sun Coast Media Group laid off multiple people on Thursday. The number of layoffs isn’t known, but at least 5 and possibly 10. Not all were full-time employees. Several were contracted with the paper for years. An initial email coming from the local editor of the Lake Wales News and the Frostproof News advised that all employees were laid off except for one.

The Daily Ridge contacted Sun Coast Media Group for comment on Friday, but the newspapers publisher Chris Sexson has not contacted us back yet. Sexson took over in April as the new publisher for Sun Coast Media’s Polk County properties, which includes The Polk County Democrat, Lake Wales News, Fort Meade Leader, Frostproof News and Polk County Sun. The Frostproof News & Fort Meade Leader had been rolled into the Lake Wales News and Polk County Democrat respectively for the last year or so. The Polk County Sun was the self proclaimed largest and newest paper of the Sun Coast Media’s Polk County division. Sexson was the publisher of multiple papers including the Metro Times, Creative Loafing & The Pitch.

One of those people let go was editor Kathy Leigh Berkowitz. A ray of sunshine came into Lake Wales when Kathy started to report for the Lake Wales News, said Daily Ridge Editor, Carl Fish. He first met Kathy Leigh at a open house for the radiology at Lake Wales Medical Center, several years ago. She was energetic, exciting and wrote stories from the heart. She will be greatly missed, said Fish.

The news of the layoffs comes just months after Sun Coast Media Group newspaper founder Derek Dunn-Rankin passes away. Dunn-Rankin’s career in newspapers began at age 11, when he became a delivery boy for the Miami News. He build Sun Coast Media into a group of newspapers published in Charlotte, Sarasota, DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands counties in Florida. In December 2006, Dunn-Rankin’s group bought three Frisbie-family owned newspapers. Those papers were the Lake Wales News, The Polk County Democrat and Fort Meade Leader. In 2007 the group bought independently owned Frostproof News.

It is difficult to see how the papers would continue to produce weekly content for the 4 cities and the Polk County Sun with a limited staff.

This is a developing story and we will update you as soon as more information is available.

Brock’s Bistro, Burgers & BBQ; Breaking the Food Barrier

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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May 31, 2016

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Article Written by Robert Blanchard:

Brock’s Bistro, Burgers & BBQ; Breaking the Food Barrier

Whether it’s sound, speed or communication; barriers are made to be broken.

And the newly revamped Brock’s Bistro, Burgers & BBQ at the Eagle Ridge Mall is no exception.

The Pari family previously owned two restaurants that were originally located in Dundee, FL; Brock’s Smokehouse and the Acropoli Italian Restaurant. The family decided to combine the two and relocated to the Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales almost two years ago to bring their special style of dining to a larger audience. Their dual menu of BBQ and Italian captured two unique genres of taste and paired well with larger groups of customers who had varying tastes among them.

But Brock’s owner Mike Pari was not yet satisfied and he felt that a new menu was in order.

“Brock’s has been a staple in this community for over two decades and as with most businesses we have evolved through that time. Keeping up with current trends in the restaurant industry we decided it was time for a change. Our new menu reflects our commitment to quality cuisine at affordable prices that is diverse as well as delicious”

And with that; the new Brock’s Bistro, Burgers & BBQ is taking its menu to a whole new level.

With dishes like Cherry BBQ Chicken, Mango BBQ Pork and seafood dishes like Coconut Shrimp and Blackened Mahi- Mahi, you would think that the menu couldn’t get any more diverse…..well folks, you are in for a surprise as Brock’s breaks the barrier where East meets West.

They now feature a Korean Stir-Fry for those that like to eat healthy and have a hunger for the Orient.

Starting with a “super-slaw” combination of Kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, Broccoli, Kale, Red cabbage and Carrots; these super-food vegetables are combined in a Wok with a savory Korean BBQ sauce and fresh Chicken Breast or Steak Medallions and stir-fried to perfection. Served over a bed of Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts, this tasty dish will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

For the lighter eater, Brock’s has a brand new full-size soup and salad bar where you can build your own salad creation. Homemade Cole slaw and Potato salad are among twelve topping offered as well as gourmet homemade soups made fresh from scratch daily.

Want a sandwich with that soup and salad? Brock’s offers bistro-style gourmet deli sandwiches made with delectable, all-natural deli meats by Metro Deli.
One good example of these tasty creations is the Twisted Reuben, made with two slices of perfectly crisp, grilled marbled rye bread and stuffed to the gills with warm, thin-sliced corned beef topped with sauerkraut and Swiss cheese. Add a dab of chipotle mayo and there you have it! Other sandwich choices are the New Yorker, Apple-wood smoked Turkey, Tony’s Deluxe Sub and even a Lake Wales Spicy Chicken Wrap.

For the burger lover, you might want to try the Hotel California Burger with premium Angus beef smothered in grilled onions topped with cheddar cheese and a dab of guacamole, jalapenos and a special sauce.

After your meal you can enjoy an Iced Coffee, Frappuccino, Latte or an Espresso from Green Mountain Coffee to top off your visit. There is also a Margarita Thursday for those who like a stronger finish to their meal.

So join Brock’s Bistro, Burgers & BBQ and the Pari family on June 11^th as they introduce their new concept which can only be described as the embodiment of the American Bistro.

Brock’s Bistro, Burgers & BBQ is open 7 days; Mondays 3pm – 9pm; Tuesday thru Saturday 11am – 9pm and Sundays 12pm-6pm. Kids 8 and under eat free (Restrictions apply- call for details).

You can also order online at ChowNow.com. Call for information on Catering as well.

Brock’s is located in the Eagle Ridge Mall, 823 Eagle Ridge Drive Lake Wales FL 33859.

Call 863-318-9710 for more info……. Happy Dining!!

Lake Wales High School Pitcher Savannah “Taite” Powell signing with Polk State College

Staff Reporter

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May 31, 2016

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Lake Wales High School Pitcher Savannah “Taite” Powell signing with Polk State College

Kale Powell (brother), Taite, Tabitha Powell (mom), Jason Bentley (step dad)

JV and Varsity Softball Team

Varsity Only

Taite with her friend and one of her pitching Coaches, Hannah Rogers (former Gator pitcher and current Pride player)

Stanley William Britt April 8, 1942 – May 27, 2016

Staff Reporter

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May 31, 2016

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Stanley William Britt April 8, 1942 – May 27, 2016

Stanley William Britt of Lake Wales, passed away Friday, May 27, 2016, after complications due to Alzheimer’s Disease, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was 74.

Stanley was born on April 8, 1942 in Camilla, Georgia to the late Willie Coley Britt and Edna Ford Britt. He moved to Lake Wales as a young child and remained a lifelong resident of the area. Stanley owned and operated rental properties and worked in the citrus industry for Florida’s Natural. Stanley was a skilled tennis player. He enjoyed boxing, fishing, hunting, and watching Bobby Bowden coach the Florida State Seminoles.

Stanley was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Coley Britt and sister, Lucretia Paige Britt, both of Lake Wales. He is survived by his former wife of 53 years, Ann Carr Britt of Lake Wales; sister, Elaine Tucker of Winter Haven; three sons, Rickey Britt (and wife, Tina), Troy Britt, and Tracy Britt (and wife, Tonda), all of Lake Wales; 16 grandchildren; 5 greatgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor David Koon, at Golfview Baptist Church, 107 Hibiscus Drive, Lake Wales, Florida 33898. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

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