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Auburndale Police Department Partners with the Florida Department of Transportation and USF’s Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) to Address Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety

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Auburndale Police Department Partners with the Florida Department of Transportation and USF’s Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) to Address Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety

*****UPDATE*****

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Auburndale Police Department Partners with the Florida
Department of Transportation and USF’s Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) to Address Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
The Auburndale Police Department was awarded a grant to pay overtime for officers to specifically address pedestrian and bicycle safety within areas of the city where a higher number of bicycle- and pedestrian-related crashes have occurred over the past several years.
The campaign is a component of Florida’s Bicycle/Pedestrian Focused Communication & High Visibility Enforcement Initiative under the direction of FDOT and USF’s Center for Urban Transportation Research.
Tragically, deaths and injuries in Florida are nearly double the national average for pedestrians and triple the national average for bicyclists.
Auburndale Police officers working in the four pre-established areas under this grant spent the first several months concentrating on education, providing educational and safety materials, and issuing written or verbal warnings in most routine cases during the first several months of the reporting period that began on December 1, 2015. Officers will begin issuing more citations during the final few months of the grant in order to drive home the importance of paying attention and following the law in order to stay safe. They will also continue to distribute educational materials and safety equipment to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists throughout the grant period in order to remind people of the hazards that exist and to encourage safe habits by everyone using the roadways.
Please go to www.alerttodayflorida.com for pedestrian and bicycle safety tips and information.
Pedestrian safety tips: Walk facing traffic, or on a sidewalk if there is one available; Cross roadways in crosswalks and/or at intersections and not at mid-block; Wear light colored clothing at night and try to cross roadways in areas at night that are well lighted.
Bicyclist safety tips: Ride with traffic, or on a sidewalk in the direction that traffic is moving on that side (so you are seen by drivers exiting driveways and side streets); Do not wear headphones or ride while impaired by drugs or alcohol; Wear light colored clothes AND have a working headlight and taillight when riding at night.

CSX to Close Several Railroad Crossings in Auburndale-Lakeland Area

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CSX to Close Several Railroad Crossings in Auburndale-Lakeland Area
CSX to Close Several Railroad Crossings in Auburndale-Lakeland Area
Bartow, Fla. (April 20, 2016) — CSX Transportation has scheduled repairs this week for railroad crossings that intersect several Polk County roads. Work at some crossings has already started. Motorists can expect closures along the following roadways:
 
  • Old Dixie Hwy.
  • Fish Hatchery Road
  • Reynolds Road
  • Payne Street
  • N. Canal Avenue
  • Fairway Avenue
  • Eastside Drive
  • Canal Road
 
All closures are between County Road 542 (Eat Main Street or K-Ville Avenue) and U.S. Highway 92. Depending on the proximity and type of maintenance, some closures may be coordinated to occur at the same time, while others may be staggered.
 
Traffic will be detoured around closures. Motorists can expect delays and should add time to their trips through these areas. Work is expected to last another week or so, but schedules are subject to change.
 
For additional information, contact CSX at 1-800-232-0144.
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LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER’S WOUND HEALING CENTER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

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LAKE WALES MEDICAL CENTER’S WOUND HEALING CENTER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

LWMC’S WOUND HEALING CENTER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS

 

Lake Wales, FL – Lake Wales Medical Center physicians, leaders and clinicians gathered today to celebrate the hospital’s Wound Healing Center receiving both the Center of Distinction Award and the Center of Excellence Award from Healogics.

 

“This is our third year winning the Center of Excellence Award, and our fourth year winning the Center of Distinction award, and we are very proud of that accomplishment,” said Tiffany Rodriguez, RN, Program Director at the Wound Healing Center.

 

The Center of Distinction award recognizes outstanding clinical outcomes for twelve consecutive months, including patient satisfaction higher than 92 percent, and a minimum wound healing rate of at least 91 percent within 30 median days to heal. There were 512 Centers eligible for the Center of Distinction award, but only 221 achieved the honor.

 

The Robert A. Warriner III, M.D., Center of Excellence award recognizes the Wound Healing Center meeting benchmarks including patient satisfaction rates higher than 92 percent and a healing rate of at least 91 percent in less than 30 median days, among other quality standards for a minimum of two consecutive years.  The Lake Wales Wound Healing Center is one of only 110 centers to receive the award this year.  The award is named for Dr. Robert A. Warriner III, a pioneer in wound care and the former Chief Medical Officer for Healogics.

 

“We are proud to be able to offer such a vital service to the people of our community, and to be able to offer it with such a high level of excellence,” said hospital CEO Andrew Howard. “Our staff and physicians take great care of their patients, who often tell us that they feel like family when they go to the Wound Healing Center. We’re happy to be able to make such a positive impact on their lives.”

 

The Lake Wales Wound Healing Center offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Advanced treatments include negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered skin substitutes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, biological and biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies. The center is a member of the Healogics network of nearly 800 Centers.

 

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Photo Info: Lake Wales Medical Center staff and physicians celebrated recently the hospital’s Wound Healing Center, which received two prestigious awards, the Center of Distinction and the Center of Excellence awards from Healogics. Both awards are given to outstanding wound treatment centers for meeting and exceeding benchmarks in healing rates and patient satisfaction. Pictured are, back row, from left: Andrew Howard, hospital CEO; Amanda Williams, RN, clinical nurse manager; Katina Green, RN, case manager; Monte Holm, certified hyperbaric technician; Dr. Fred Howard, and Dr. James Nelson, Wound Center medical director. Front row, from left: Alicia Lyons, office coordinator; Alesia Walker, RN, case manager; Lindsay Kula, CMA; and Tiffany Rodriguez, RN, program director. Not pictured are Dr. Carolyn Pass, Dr. Benigno Feliciano, Dr. Snehal Patel, and Crystal Browning, RN, case manager.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Wales Pastor Arrested For Solicitation Of Lewd Act

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Lake Wales Pastor Arrested For Solicitation Of Lewd Act

Steven Glenn Charest

 

Lake Wales, Florida – On Tuesday, April 19, 2016, Polk County Sheriff’s undercover detectives arrested 66-year-old Stephen Glenn Charest of Lake Wales for one count Solicitation Another to Commit Lewdness, at Lake Fannie Boat Ramp. Charest is the pastor at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales.

The following is an excerpt from the affidavit:

On the above date and time, I was working in an undercover capacity in the area of Winter Haven, Florida (Polk County). I was at the Lake Fannie Boat Ramp, when I observed an unknown white male walk into the wooded area. Detectives were in the area in response to complaints of lewd activity.

I walked into the wooded area where I made contact with the male. Then after some casual conversation I asked the unknown male what he was doing in the wooded area. The defendant stated the following, “I want you to [expletive describing a lewd act].” I then asked the defendant, “Ok, is that what you want me to do?” The defendant replied, “Yeah.” I then asked the defendant, “You ready?” The defendant then replied, “Yeah.”

The defendant solicited me to perform oral sex on him in a public place. I showed the defendant my badge and identified myself as a Detective from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Charest was booked into the Polk County Jail on the aforementioned charge, and released after posting $250.00 bond.

Horizons Elementary School Dean of Students Arrested for Failure to Report Child Abuse

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Horizons Elementary School Dean of Students Arrested for Failure to Report Child Abuse

UPDATE to Carlos Ojeda investigation (capital sexual battery of students on his school bus):

stanley

According to the affidavit, two different students reported the sexual battery of female children on the bus, to Stanley on April 8th and April 12th. Stanley did not report the information to DCF, school officials, or law enforcement.

The abuse was immediately reported by the school counselor on April 13th, to DCF and school officials, when the school counselor was told about the abuse by the same two witnesses.

He is being held in the Polk County Jail, Central County Jail on $1,000 bond per count (2 counts of Failure to Report Child Abuse).

 

 

 

A 3rd Robbery, This Time at RaceTrac Just after 5 AM This Morning

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A 3rd Robbery, This Time at RaceTrac Just after 5 AM This Morning

 

On April 19, 2016 at 5:20am the Racetrac Store located at 1740 SR60 E was robbed by an armed gunman. The suspect was described as a black male wearing a red hoodie tightened around his face, red gym shorts, flip flops, and was armed with a handgun. The suspect entered the store and demanded the cashiers give him the money from their cash drawers. The cashiers complied with the suspect’s orders and the suspect fled the store after getting an undisclosed amount of money. Three cashiers were working at the time of the robbery. Nobody was injured and the suspect left the store on foot.

This suspect appears to be the same suspect who robbed Pizzano’s on April 15 and CVS on April 16. Anyone who has information about any of these robberies is asked to contact Detective Alvin Maultsby at (863) 678-4223 extension 265, Detective Aubrey Davis at (863) 678-4223 extension 276, or Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477.

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Related:
Two Business Robberies are Being Investigated
The Lake Wales Police Department is investigating two busines
s robberies they believe are related. The first robbery occurred at Pizzano’s Pizza, located at 1326 SR60
E, on Friday, April 15 at 5:15pm. During this robbery the suspect walked into Pizzano’s, pointed a handgun at the cashier, took an undisclosed amount of money, and fled the area. The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 5’9”tall, wearing a red hoodie which was tightened up around his face, long red or black pants, and he was armed with an unknown make/model handgun.
The second robbery occurred at CVS, located at 500 S 11th St, on Saturday, April 16 at 10:12pm. During this robbery the suspect walked into CVS pointed a handgun at the cashiers, took an undisclosed amount of money, and fled the area. The suspect was described as a black male, thin build, approximately 6’00”
tall, wearing a red hoodie which was tightened up around his face, red sweat pants, white cloth gloves, dark sunglasses, black and white tennis shoes, and he was armed with an unknown make/model handgun.
After both robberies occurred law enforcement officers set up perimeters and searched extensively for the suspect but were not able to locate him. There were no injuries as a result of either of the robberies. These are photographs of the suspect during the robberies.  Anyone who witnessed either of the robberies, has information on either of the robberies, or knows who the suspect is should contact Detective Alvin Maultsby at (863) 678-4223 extension 265 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-
8477.

Lake Wales Medical Center Announces Quarterly Awards

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Lake Wales Medical Center Announces Quarterly Awards

LWMC ANNOUNCES QUARTERLY AWARDS

Lake Wales, FL – Lake Wales Medical Center presented quarterly awards recently.

 

Employee of the Quarter was Jennifer Scalf, CT Technologist in Imaging Services. She was recognized for continued outstanding customer service, patient care and team work. “We often receive feedback from patients about Jennifer, and she is always focused on patient safety,” said CEO Andrew Howard.

Jaropillo

Manager of the Quarter was Erwin Jaropillo, Information Systems. He was recognized for his outstanding work on several recent IT upgrades and programs. “Erwin works tirelessly to keep the many computer systems here operational so that we can provide great care to our patients,” Howard said.

 

Volunteer of the Quarter was Tina Stegman and her service dog, Phoenix, who visit patients in the hospital’s geriatric psychiatric unit.

Volunteer

“Tina and Phoenix have become a part of our treatment team,” said Sabrina Long, director of the unit. “The impact of pet therapy on patient mood and recovery is well documented.  Phoenix intuitively knows which patients need a little extra time and attention when he visits.  He is a gentle giant who helps our senior patients to realistically reminisce and remember happy times.  The impact on staff attitude and satisfaction is a bonus benefit of having the weekly visits from Tina and Phoenix.  The smiles and joy brought by Phoenix and Tina are felt long after they have left the unit for the day.”

 

 

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Photo info:

Volunteer: Tina Stegman and her service dog, Phoenix, were the volunteers of the quarter at Lake Wales Medical Center.

Jaropillo: Erwin Jaropillo was named Manager of the Quarter at Lake Wales Medical Center

“Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program heads back to the Kathleen and Gibsonia Communities

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“Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program heads back to the Kathleen and Gibsonia Communities
“Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program heads back to the Kathleen and Gibsonia Communities
 
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April 2016 – Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. in partnership with Polk County Board of County Commissioners is happy to bring their “Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program to Unincorporated Kathleen and Gibsonia Communities on Saturday, April 23, 2016. (Community consists of:  Unincorporated areas only.)
 
Residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this program that will consist of a large scale trash pick up throughout these selected communities (clean sweep).  This program will provide disposal of items that are NOT generally collected with their residential garbage such as household construction debris (shingles, drywall, etc.) on THIS DAY ONLY.  Absolutely NO tires or hazardous waste will be collected.  All households are asked to participate by placing these items by the curb no later than 8am for this one day event.  
 
Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. will host a FREE Tire Recycling event from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  This event will take place at The Lakeland Center, 701 W. Lime St.  Tires MUST be STANDARD VEHICLE SIZE ONLY.  Participants must show photo ID/ proof of Polk County residency to take advantage of the free disposal. Legal hauling limits will be strictly enforced. Call Keep Polk County Beautiful, (863) 875-8911, for more information.
This event is held in conjunction with Polk County Board of County Commissioner’s Waste and Recycling Division’s Mobile Collection Events for Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics.  For information on Hazardous Waste and Electronic disposal, contact (863)284-4319.
 
Trash and tire collection services are provided by Republic Services.
 
For additional information on the “Clean It Up to Green It Up” program, Tire Recycling or to find out when/if this program is scheduled to come to your community, contact Keep Polk County Beautiful, Inc. at (863) 875-8911 or email [email protected] .
 
It is a violation of Florida Administrative Code Rules to transport more than 24 Waste Tires over public highways without a permit.  Violation of this rule would constitute a 1st degree criminal misdemeanor and be punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000 and/or by 6 months in jail for further information please regarding the handling of waste tires please visit the DEP website http://www.dep.state.fl.us/ .

Lake Wales CVS Armed Robbery Saturday Night

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Lake Wales CVS Armed Robbery Saturday Night

LWP

Lake Wales, Florida – The Lake Wales Police Department is investigating two business robberies they believe are related. The first robbery occurred at Pizzano’s Pizza, located at 1326 SR60 E, on Friday, April 15 at 5:15pm. During this robbery the suspect walked into Pizzano’s, pointed a handgun at the cashier, took an undisclosed amount of money, and fled the area. The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 5’9″ tall, wearing a red hoodie which was tightened up around his face, long red or black pants, and he was armed with an unknown make/model handgun.

     The second robbery occurred at CVS, located at 500 S 11th St, on Saturday, April 16 at 10:12pm. During this robbery the suspect walked into CVS pointed a handgun at the cashiers, took an undisclosed amount of money, and fled the area. The suspect was described as a black male, thin build, approximately 6’00” tall, wearing a red hoodie which was tightened up around his face, red sweat pants, white cloth gloves, dark sunglasses, black and white tennis shoes, and he was armed with an unknown make/model handgun.

     After both robberies occurred law enforcement officers set up perimeters and searched extensively for the suspect but were not able to locate him. There were no injuries as a result of either of the robberies. These are photographs of the suspect during the robberies. Anyone who witnessed either of the robberies, has information on either of the robberies, or knows who the suspect is should contact Detective Alvin Maultsby at (863) 678-4223 extension 265 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477.

Cooking on the Ridge: Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue

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Cooking on the Ridge: Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue

Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue

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Ingredients

Directions

  • Prep 10 m

  • Cook 4 h

  • Ready In 4 h 10 m

  1. Place chicken in a slow cooker. In a bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, Italian salad dressing, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the chicken.
  2. Cover, and cook 3 to 4 hours on High or 6 to 8 hours on Low.
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