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In Loving Memory of Tyler Austin Noel April 5, 1991 – January 26, 2021

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In Loving Memory of Tyler Austin Noel April 5, 1991 – January 26, 2021

Tyler Austin Noel of Daytona Beach passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at his residence.  He was a loving son, brother, and uncle who was cherished by his family and friends.

Tyler was born April 5, 1991, in Winter Haven to Jeff and Julie Noel of Lake Wales. He was actively involved in community sports as he grew up (football, soccer, basketball, and baseball) and served as an altar boy for many years at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.  During the summer and over school holidays, Tyler participated in the Lake Wales Care Center Stay-at-Home Work Camp where he learned the importance of “people helping people helping people.” He was honored to help local residents with projects to improve their homes as well as residents in Moss Point, Mississippi, following the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. 

In 2009 Tyler graduated from Lake Wales High School where he was a member of the football team and the weightlifting team.  As a Highlander, he was also a member of the National Honor Society, Youth Leadership of Lake Wales, and Mu  Alpha Theta (mathematics honor society). In 2014 Tyler proudly graduated from the Rosen College of Hospitality at the University of Central Florida.   He earned a bachelor’s degree in Restaurant and Foodservice Management and began working for Americrown Service Corporation, a division of the International Speedway Corporation.  Tyler worked as a concessions manager for both Americrown and Levy from his office at the Daytona International Speedway.  He also traveled to numerous NASCAR speedways across the United States to work during many races and musical events.  While at UCF, he was a member of the Knights Racing Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) racing team.  Each year the team conceived, designed, fabricated, developed, and competed with other small formula-style racing cars from universities around the world.  Tyler’s interest began at a young age when he started RC car racing with his father.  As a team, they raced both off-road and oval tracks all over the state for many years.  Tyler loved being outdoors, listening to country music, shooting, camping with friends, woodworking, and traveling.  He had a passion for cooking and loved to barbeque.   Two years ago, Tyler became an uncle – he was both nervous and very excited to be a part of Harper’s life.  Uncle Tyler gave Harper her first bicycle and fishing pole.

Tyler is survived by his parents, Jeff and Julie Noel of Lake Wales; sister, Ashley Machata and brother-in-law, Matthew Machata of Lake Wales; niece, Harper Rose Machata; maternal grandparents, Charles and Marlene Cramer of LaVale, Maryland; paternal grandparents, Richard and Sara Noel of Sebring; and many loved family members and friends.  Tyler’s smile, kindness, and great sense of humor will be deeply missed.

A private memorial service will be held in the near future.  A celebration of Tyler’s life for family and friends will be held Saturday, April 10, 2021, in Lake Wales. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Lake Wales Care Center (https://lakewalescarecenter.com/donate/) in Tyler’s memory.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Auburndale Man Identified and Arrested for Multiple Construction Site Thefts Totaling $8,390

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Auburndale Man Identified and Arrested for Multiple Construction Site Thefts Totaling $8,390

Release by Winter Haven Police Department

An Auburndale man has been identified and arrested for multiple construction site thefts  starting in October 2020 totaling $8,390.

Starting in October 2020, the construction site thefts were reported from new construction sites in Normandy Heights (off Hwy 540) and Villamar (off Cunningham Rd.) in Winter Haven. The thefts were reported by site managers, construction crews and by a witness who saw a vehicle backed up to a garage.

a man looking at the camera


MENDOZA

Fingerprints that had been located inside one of the residents came back to 26 year-old Fernando Gomez Mendoza (DOB 7-24-94, 1498 Berkley Rd., Auburndale, FL 33823). Mendoza worked at both of the neighborhoods on various dates since October. Further investigations revealed that a witness was able to describe a vehicle that was backed up to a garage where they could hear items being dragged across the garage floor. The vehicle, a gray Dodge Caravan was the vehicle of Mendoza’s girlfriend.

On Feb. 2, 2021 contact was made with the girlfriend who allowed detectives inside the Berkley Rd. residence. Several items were observed in plain view that were similar to those reported missing from the construction sites. The girlfriend stated she didn’t know anything about the items being stolen as Mendoza would tell her he was bringing them home to “fix” them.

Mendoza was contacted by phone the same day while working at an Orlando construction site. He met with detectives and initially denied taking items. However, serial numbers for many of the appliances and fixtures along with markings on the boxes confirmed the items were taken from the two construction sites. Mendoza also told detectives that he bought a bundle of front doors for $200 and also a range/stove from a Facebook seller for $80. Mendoza stated he knew the items had to be stolen because they looked brand new.

All totaled, Mendoza has been charged with burglary of 14 construction sites. On Feb. 2, 2021 he was booked into Polk County Jail and charged with 12 counts of Unoccupied Burglary of a Structure (F-3), nine counts of Petit Theft (M-1), three counts of Grand Theft (F-3) and one count of Dealing in Stolen Property (F-2). He has since bonded out of jail.

Items taken from the construction sites and located inside of Mendoza’s home were:

Silver Samsung Dishwasher – $437.09
Black/Silver Samsung Microwave – $188.88
Silver Samsung Refrigerator – $1,528.43
Small Pieces of Black/Gray Formica Countertop – $417.00
Two 3-Bulb Vanity Light Fixtures – $200.00 total
Black/Silver Samsung Range – $512.67
Nine White Colonial Steel Exterior Doors – 3,082.46 total
Two boxes Containing Cabinets – $200.00
Large Light Gray and White Counter Top – $100.00
Two White Interior Doors – $175.48
Bundle of Moulding/Trim Moulding – $200.00
Three Boxes of Bi-Fold Doors – $181.00 total
Dark Brown Cabinets – $1,167.06

Lake Wales High School Girls Basketball Team Wins District Tournament

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Lake Wales High School Girls Basketball Team Wins District Tournament

Lake Wales High School Girls Basketball Team Wins District Tournament

By Allison Williams

Photo provided by Lakendra McMath

The Lake Wales High School Lady Highlanders played an exciting game Friday night against Lake Gibson. This was the 2021 FHSAA Girls Basketball District Tournament and they won with a score of 59-46.

The leading scorer for the game was Chanelle McDonald, a senior. She scored 38 points and was coined Player of the Game.

The second leading scorer was Jameria Robinson, sophomore, with 10 points.

Next up for the Lady Highlanders will be the Regionals tournament. This game will be held on Thursday, February 11 and begin at 7:00 p.m. The game will be local at Lake Wales High School. 1 Highlander Way, Lake Wales, FL 33853.

The goal for the Lady Highlanders is to make it all the way to the State Tournament this year.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of ARMHOLES DBA Six Pac Project Management LLC and intends to register the said name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, Tallahassee, FL and /or Clerk of the Circuit Court of Polk County, FL

ARMHOLES, dba

Six Pac Project Management LLC

811 Irene Dr.
Auburndale, FL 33823

PCSO In Need of Substitute Part-Time School Crossing Guards

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PCSO In Need of Substitute Part-Time School Crossing Guards

PCSO is seeking qualified men and women who desire to work as substitute part-time school crossing guards in Lakeland, Lake Wales, and Winter Haven.

The guard should be available to work for one hour in the morning and for 30 minutes in the afternoon.

Anyone interested in applying for a school crossing guard position in LAKELAND should contact Supervisor Heather Strafford at (863) 534-7300 ext. 108.

Anyone interested in applying for a school crossing guard position in WINTER HAVEN OR LAKE WALES should contact Supervisor Courtney Branch at (863) 534-7300 ext. 109.

School Crossing Guard services are provided by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office through funds provided by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. This vital program provides adult crossing guards at selected school crossings to ensure the safety of our elementary school children walking to and from school.

PCSO Looking for Missing/Endangered Adult

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PCSO Looking for Missing/Endangered Adult

Polk County Sheriff’s Office is looking for 27-year-old Ashton Leigh Knowles of Majesty Drive in Davenport, who was last seen between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2021.

She is considered MISSING AND ENDANGERED based on concerning statements she made, and her lack of resources (she left behind her dog, keys, cell phone, etc.).

Ashton is 5’8″ tall, 120 lbs., with blonde hair and blue eyes, possibly on her burgundy Schwinn bicycle.

If you see Ashton, please contact Detective Christie at 863-298-6200.

Two Nurses Arrested Overnight For DUI

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Two Nurses Arrested Overnight For DUI
On February 8, 2021, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 47-year-old Arleen Lebron, Director of Nursing at Haines City Rehabilitation and Nursing and 63-year-old Carol Ruopolo-Lemay, a registered nurse at the Day Surgery Center in Winter Haven (2400 Dundee Road) for DUI.   “Nursing is a noble profession, and those who choose this calling are committed to caring for people and saving lives. Driving while under the influence is the complete opposite of that – and these two nurses put people’s lives in jeopardy last night. I’m grateful no one was hurt or killed. Please, use the many resources available and do not drink and drive. ” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
 Arleen Lebron (47-years-old) of Kissimmee

At around 11:15 p.m., February 8, 2021, deputies responded to a report of a possible impaired driver who was blocking a customer in the waverly (Lake Wales area) Post Office parking lot. Deputies located Lebron asleep in her running vehicle. According to the affidavit, when deputies spoke with Lebron, “her speech was slurred, her eyes to be bloodshot and glassy, and a moderate odor of an alcoholic beverage was coming from her breath.” Lebron was arrested for DUI (M1). She was transported to the Polk County Jail where her blood alcohol level was recorded as 0.142 and 0.136 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. A person is in violation if their breath sample results in 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. Lebron had been previously arrested for DUI in 2016 and is currently being held without bond.   Lebron is the Director of Nursing at Haines City Rehabilitation and Nursing. Please direct questions concerning her employment there. 

CAROL RUOPOLI-LEMAY (63-years-old) of Lake Hamilton  

According to witnesses, at around 8:30 p.m. on February 8, 2021, Ruopoli-Lemay was driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven, almost striking them. Ruopoli-Lemay then pulled into the Marathon Gas Station (795 Cypress Gardens Blvd SE). The witness followed Ruopoli-Lemay into the parking lot, and once parked, went up to her vehicle and “requested the keys from the driver, due to her driving patterns and possibly being impaired.”  According to the affidavit, when deputies arrived, “her eyes were bloodshot and watery, and when she stood unsupported, she displayed a front to back sway of approximately 4-6 inches.” Additionally, when Ruopoli-Lemay was asked to complete a Field Sobriety Test she told the deputies, “I can’t, I am too drunk.” Ruopoli-Lemay was arrested for DUI (M1), and was transported to the Polk County Jail where her blood alcohol level was recorded as 0.189 and 0.191 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. A person is in violation if their breath sample results in 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. She is currently being held without bond.  

Ruopoli-Lemay is a registered nurse at the Day Surgery Center (2400 Dundee Road) in Winter Haven. Please direct questions concerning her employment there. 

Frostproof Man Protecting His Sleeping Family Shoots & Kills Suspected Home Burglary Suspect

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Frostproof Man Protecting His Sleeping Family Shoots & Kills Suspected Home Burglary Suspect

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on February 7, 2021 at around 1:00 a.m. in unincorporated Frostproof.

According to the preliminary investigation, the decedent, Jory Plummer, burglarized a home in his neighborhood where a husband, wife and their 3 children were sleeping.

The wife heard banging on the front door and woke her husband. When he went to the front of his home to see where the noise was coming from, he discovered the front door was forced opened. Believing someone had just burglarized his home, he armed himself with a handgun.

The husband said he found Plummer outside, in front of the home, yelling obscenities at him. The husband told the suspect, numerous times, to leave and just go home.

The husband described Plummer as “out of control.” That’s when Plummer began to run, charging at the husband, who, in fear for his life, fired one round from his firearm at Plummer hitting him.

Plummer then turned and headed away from the residence. After walking a few feet, Plummer turned around and charged at the husband again, and the husband shot Plummer a second time.
When deputies arrived, they began lifesaving measures. Plummer was transported to Sebring Hospital where he died.

This investigation is ongoing.

“People have a right to be safe in their home, and when necessary, defend that safety. At this point in the investigation, the evidence indicates that the resident acted in self-defense.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Plummer’s criminal history includes 9 felonies and 9 misdemeanors including Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Battery, Tampering with Evidence, Forgery, Resisting a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of Marijuana, Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License, Violation of Probation, and Failure to Appear.

Buckeye Loop Road to East of US 27: Expect Nighttime Lane Closures

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Buckeye Loop Road to East of US 27: Expect Nighttime Lane Closures

City of Winter Haven:

UPDATE: SR 542 (Dundee Road) Buckeye Loop Road to east of US 27: Expect nighttime lane closures until Feb 13 with flaggers directing traffic, weather permitting. Prepare to merge or stop. Dundee Road has shifted slightly south from Buckeye Loop Road to Overlook Drive. Use caution, be aware of construction vehicles in the work zone and watch for changes in the traffic pattern. This project includes widening Dundee Road from two to four lanes, constructing an enclosed drainage system, installing a new signal at Overlook Drive and closing the Overlook Drive merge, upgrading existing signal equipment, adding sidewalk, bike lanes and street lighting, and making utility improvements for the City of Winter Haven and Town of Dundee. Expected completion is summer 2023. For more information visit the project website at www.swflroads.com/sr542/buckeyelooptous27 .

Jeepin’ With Judd Revs Up For 7th Year

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Jeepin’ With Judd Revs Up For 7th Year

Jeepin’ With Judd Revs Up For 7th Year

by James Coulter

After nearly a year being trapped indoors due to the COVID-19 crisis, many folks are yearning to go outside and venture into the great outdoors. They can do just that, as well as support their local law enforcement, with the Jeepin’ With Judd event later this month.

Rev up your Jeep vehicle and drive on down to Clear Springs Ranch in Bartow for three whole days of off-roading. Test your vehicle to its limits with nearly a dozen off-road trails and obstacle courses, or watch the excitement from a safe distance from the lookout.

From stock trails to moderate and advanced trails, The Orlando Jeep Club has designed many trails and obstacle courses to give your vehicle a run for its money and kick up dirt with high-octane off-roading fun.

Little ones too young to drive can also join in the fun with the Power Wheels location, with several toy cars that will allow children the opportunity to take control of their own vehicles and ride along their own tracks.

When they’re done riding or watching Jeep vehicles, attendees can peruse the many booths for Jeep related merchandise and grab a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks. All proceeds from the event will go towards Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc.

“We will filter back into the community helping individuals with scholarships for college and for law enforcement memorial purposes, to help those families that may, unfortunately,experience an in-the-line-of-duty death for law enforcement,” said Alicia Manautou, Public Information Officer.

Alicia has been volunteering with Jeepin’ With Judd since it first started. She appreciates how the event offers residents and guests a fun time outdoors and raises funds for the PCSO and its charity organization, thus helping the local community in more ways than one.

In light of these uncertain times, she assures everyone that the event is completely outdoors with no indoor locations. Moreover, with people driving their vehicles or watching from afar, the event offers people enough space to safely distance themselves.

To also ensure the safety and health of participants, other precautions will be put into place. Drive-through touchless check-in will allow attendees to register for the event without having to leave the safety and comfort of their vehicle. Participants can download an app, 4×4 Unity, to their mobile device and use it to scan a QR code to receive information about the event.

The bad news is that the event has sold out, so there are no more Jeep event entry tickets. However, the good news is that the event is still open for spectators, so anyone wanting to come by to watch the vehicles and peruse the vendor and food truck area.

You also still have the opportunity to purchase “Cheep Jeep” tickets where they will be raffling off a 2005 2-door Jeep Wrangler Utility Sport previously owned by Sheriff Judd, thanks to Kelley Buick GMC who donated the Jeep to Polk Sheriff’s Charities. Tickets can be purchased on their website and you don’t have to be present to win.

“Spectators are always free,” Alicia said. “So if anyone is interested in coming and checking this out and seeing what all the hubbub is about, spectators are always welcome. There is a great vantage point over the obstacle course to see the Jeeps climb the rocks and travel the trails created for them.”

Jeepin’ With Judd will be hosted from Feb. 26 to Feb. 28 from 9 am to 3 pm. The event will be hosted at Clear Springs Ranch, located at Ledley Ware Rd, Bartow, FL 33830. For more info, visit their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/jeepinwithjudd

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