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Winter Haven Salvation Army Thrift Store Re-Opens

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Winter Haven Salvation Army Thrift Store Re-Opens

Winter Haven Salvation Army Thrift Store Re-Opens

by James Coulter

COVID-19 has hit many people hard. Some people have exhausted their savings. Others have lost their jobs or even their homes. In these uncertain times, the least among us deserve a helping hand. Thankfully, there are places like the Salvation Army to lend a hand.

After several months of remaining closed due to the lockdown and the COVID-19 crisis, the Winter Haven Salvation Army Thrift Store celebrated its grand re-opening several weeks ago.

The store has been closed since March due to COVID-19. Commanding officer Lt. Dominic Blanford and his wife moved to Winter Haven as the new leaders of the Winter Haven branch. Their decision to re-open the store was made to help those who have been affected by the pandemic and the economic fallout caused by it.

“We actually [have] seen more and more clients since the coronavirus pandemic,” Lt. Blanford said. “They either lost their jobs or they need help with rental and facilities assistance. We need them to provide these needs.”

The thrift store sells gently used donated items ranging from clothing to furniture and electronics. Before reopening, the store’s interior received some minor renovations.

The store offers a free pickup service for those wishing to donate home-based items like furniture or electronics. The pickup service is offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

The Salvation Army also operates a women’s and children’s shelter, as well as a food pantry. Both services have experienced an influx of clients since the start of the pandemic. The food pantry especially has been running low on supplies due to the present increased demand.

“We are asking the community for help for filling up our food pantry, which is low, to provide the needs of those in the East Polk County community,” Lt. Blanford said. “As COVID has impacted everything, we want to let the community know that we are still here and still here to serve and to continue meeting human needs.”

While Christmas is around the corner, and the army usually deploys its army of bell ringers to collect monetary donations through their signature Red Kettles, the ongoing pandemic may affect their availability this year.

Instead, the Salvation Army is requesting members of the community to contribute to their Rescue for Christmas campaign. Overall, they ask that people help support their services by shopping at their store.

“What people don’t realize is that people come in a shop, they are not just shopping at the store, the money we raise in the store help us in our community such as our shelter,” Lt. Blanchard said.

“That was the main reason for the re-opening of the store,” he continued. “We want to ensure that and continue to provide the necessary help in the community so we ended up re-opening the store, to ensure we continue to meet the most good.”

The Winter Haven Salvation Thrift Store is located at 927 6th Street NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881. For more information, visit their website at: https://salvationarmyflorida.org/winterhaven/

Deputies Conducting Death Investigation On Body Found In Mulberry

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Deputies Conducting Death Investigation On Body Found In Mulberry

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a death investigation in the city of Mulberry, in the area of Canal Street and Church Avenue (Hwy 60 and Hwy 37).

A deceased body was reported just before 7:00 am this morning, Friday, September 25, 2020.

Frostproof Woman Allegedly Used Triple Homicide Tragedy To Defraud People

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Frostproof Woman Allegedly Used Triple Homicide Tragedy To Defraud People

Frostproof, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has taken a Frostproof woman into custody after she allegedly used triple homicide tragedy to line her own pockets. According to the PCSO they have arrested Amanda Lynn Brown (DOB: 11/10/1987/ into custody. She has been charged with multiple counts including Grand Theft, Obtain Property by Fraud, Use Personal Identification of Deceased, Use Personal Identification without Authorization, and Misrepresentation Solicitation as Charity.

On July 17, 2020 Brandon Collins, Keven Springfield and Damian Tillman were murdered in a triple homicide in Frostproof Florida while heading to go fishing.

Family members contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on August 10, 2020 after a seeing a GoFundMe account set up by someone named Amie Lynn. The account was titled “Polk County Triple Homicide Family Expenses”. Even though no one knew “Amie Lynn”. After several complaints the account was closed. Prior to the account being closed it generated $11,915 in donations.Polk Deputies tracked down the IP address of the organizer and determined it to be Amanda Lynn Brown. The money was transferred into an account with the name Amanda Brown on it along with multiple aliases associated to the name Amanda. PCSO also was able to determine through videos and paperwork withdrawals from the donation account at local banks, stores and even the City of Frostproof for utilities in Browns name.

Deputies questioned Brown who allegedly admitted to the crimes post-miranda. She advised deputies she meant to give the money to the families, but started spending the money.

Brown was also in jail for possession of Methamphetamine.

Beef O’Brady’s Airing Local High School Games

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Beef O’Brady’s Airing Local High School Games

Beef O’Brady’s Airing Local High School Games

by James Coulter

Do you miss watching the big game at your favorite sports bar? Do you want to support your local high school and their sports team during these uncertain times? Beef O’Brady’s is allowing you to do both.

At ten restaurant locations within the Tampa Bay area, including Plant City, Beef O’Brady’s will be airing Tampa Bay high school football games for their respective seasons. These select locations include:• Plant City – airing Plant City High School games• Northdale – airing Gaither High School games• Riverview – airing Riverview High School games• Fish Hawk – airing Newsome High School games• Valrico – airing Brandon High School and Durant High School games• Lutz – airing Steinbrenner High School games• Citrus Park – airing Sickles High School games• Summer Field – airing East Bay High School games• Wilderness – airing Land O’ Lakes High School games• Sunlake – airing Sunlake High School games

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and capacity regulations, many of these local schools are either unable to host live games or are required to limit capacity to maintain social distancing.

Furthermore, many local sports bars like Beef O’Brady’s, which often make the most money showing games during their respective seasons, have been unable to air major sports events due to their cancellation.

Beef O’Brady’s has decided to kill two birds with one stone by airing the big games of local schools at select restaurants, allowing residents to support their schools as well as enjoy a great evening with great food.

“Being at the heart of the community is key,” Heather Boggs, Chief Marketing Officer for Family Sports Concepts, which owns Beef O’Brady’s. “So when we learned that high school sports events were going to have limited attendance, we wanted to find ways to help communities and their families get together to watch their loved ones.”

Ten local restaurants are coordinating with local schools and their booster clubs to air live streams of their sports games through viewing parties. Some restaurant locations will even be showing these games on big screens in their parking lots, Boggs said.

To maintain safety and health standards during these uncertain times, these restaurants will be hosting their viewing parties small with limited seating to maintain safe social distancing. They will also be offering food and drink specials.

Since hosting these viewing parties several weeks ago, Beef O’Brady’s has experienced great success and even greater feedback. They hope to continue going strong for the remainder of the football season.

“Our community center has always been front and center for our brands and it is what makes us different from our competitions,” Boggs said. “We love to support our schools and sports and we take that to heart…We are cooperating with the community to ensure that we provide a safe environment and still show the love and support that we have with these sports.”

About Beef O’Brady’s (from their press release):

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is a franchise of family sports pubs that provides the perfect atmosphere for friends and families to watch the game and grab a bite. With a focus on providing value without sacrificing quality, the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s menu features delicious family favorites like award-winning wings, fresh Angus burgers, crisp salads, USDA Choice Cut sirloin, Cowboy ribeye and grilled salmon, along with a kids’ menu and a full bar for the adults. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is strongly dedicated to community involvement through ongoing partnerships with local schools, youth sports leagues and other community groups. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s currently operates 150 locations in 21 states. For more information about franchising opportunities, visit http://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/.  

Phone Scam Rising to a Different Level Including Threats Involving Mexican Cartel

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Phone Scam Rising to a Different Level Including Threats Involving Mexican Cartel

Winter Haven Police want to warn the public about a phone scam that is rising to a different level including threats involving the Mexican Cartel.
On 9-19-2020, a Winter Haven citizen received a phone call from an international number around 11:30 a.m. The male caller claimed to have information about her daughter being in a traffic crash and the daughter’s information needed to be verified. Unfortunately, the mother gave information due to the urgent nature of the caller.
At that point, the tone of the call changed drastically. The caller then demanded the mother go to Western Union to wire $1,000 immediately because her daughter was being held hostage by the Mexican Cartel. The instructions were to send money to a listing in Mexico.
Frantic, the mother went to Western Union while the caller was still on the phone. The caller told her that if she disconnected the call she won’t hear from her daughter again. The mother did send $350, but the caller demanded more and threatened harm again to her daughter. The mother also heard what sounded like a female screaming “mommy help!” in the background. She sent the only remaining money she had and the call ended.
Once the call was disconnected, she immediately called her daughter’s cell phone only to find out that she was safe and with her husband spending the day in Orlando. Relieved her daughter was in fact okay, she then asked Western Union if the transmittal could be stopped, but was told no.
“This type of coercion is unthinkable,” said Public Safety Director and Police Chief Charlie Bird. “And the worst part is it is extremely difficult to trace these types of scams and bring people to justice.”
Authorities warn citizens that these tactics are used to put victims in a position of total fear. If anyone receives this type of call, as hard as it may seem, disconnect and call law enforcement immediately with the phone number the call came from and any names associated, if given.

PCSO Is Investigating a Fatal Single Vehicle Crash in Poinciana

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PCSO Is Investigating a Fatal Single Vehicle Crash in Poinciana

PCSO is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash in Poinciana

A 56-year-old Steven Marc Kramer of Kissimmee died Monday afternoon September 21, 2020, in a single-vehicle crash on Cypress Parkway at Solivita Boulevard in Poinciana. Kramer was driving a 2004 white Mitsubishi Endeavor van.

The crash occurred at about 3:39 pm, just west of Solivita Boulevard and the entrance to Poinciana Medical Center.

According to the preliminary investigation, Kramer was traveling eastbound on Cypress Parkway when his van exited the south side of the roadway, striking a utility box and several small trees. The van then rolled to a stop approximately 400 feet from the point it exited the roadway.

Polk County Fire Rescue transported Kramer to a local hospital where he died. 

Further investigation revealed, Kramer had a medical condition and was traveling to his doctor’s office at the time of the crash. Kramer’s medical condition appears to be a factor in the crash.

The roadway was partially closed for about 3 hours for the investigation, which remains ongoing.

Arrest Made In Lakeland Homicide Investigation from July 19, 2020

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Arrest Made In Lakeland Homicide Investigation from July 19, 2020

ARREST MADE IN HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
LAKELAND, FL (September 21, 2020) – Lakeland Police Detectives have made an arrest in the homicide investigation of Jeannairy Dominguez, killed on Sunday, July 19, 2020. 


On July 19, 2020, Lakeland Police Department officers were dispatched to the area of 1100 Monroe Street for a report of shots being fired in the area. At approximately 9:31 p.m., officers arrived on the scene and located a victim with multiple gunshot wounds inside a residence. The victim, 25-year-old Jeannairy Dominguez, was pronounced deceased at 9:39 p.m. as a result of her injuries. She was brutally gunned downed in the presence of her three children, ages seven, five, and three. None of the children were injured as a result of the gunshots.
Limited physical evidence on the scene and a lack of eyewitnesses presented major investigative obstacles in bringing any suspects to justice. Homicide Detectives Tammy Hathcock and Troy Smith worked tirelessly in conjunction with members of the Lakeland Police Department’s Crime lab to locate and identify those who were responsible for the murder of Jeannairy Dominguez. Their efforts included over 15 search warrants being written and executed for residences, vehicles, and electronic devices. Detectives Hathcock and Smith worked closely with the State Attorney’s Office and several law enforcement agencies to acquire critical physical evidence to support charges in this case. 
On September 21, 2020, Detective Hathcock sought and obtained an arrest warrant charging Jacarie Dovontis Moore, 22-years-old from Lakeland, with first-degree murder and shooting into an occupied dwelling. During the investigation, Moore was identified as Ms. Dominguez’s estranged boyfriend. Moore was already in custody on separate unrelated charges, and the warrant was served upon him at the Polk County Jail.


Chief Garcia and LPD’s Criminal Investigation Division members will provide additional details on Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. in the Lakeland Police Department’s Community Room. Please email [email protected] if you plan to be in attendance. 

Former PCSO Emergency Communications Telecommunicator Arrested For Domestic Violence

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Former PCSO Emergency Communications Telecommunicator Arrested For Domestic Violence

On Saturday, September 19, 2020, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a former PCSO emergency communications telecommunicator for one count battery domestic violence abuse (M-1) and one count false report to law enforcement (M-1).
29-year-old Candace Marshay Lewis was hired as a telecommunicator in August 2017. She resigned effective immediately upon her arrest – had she not resigned, she would have been terminated.
According to the affidavit, Lewis and the victim were involved in a verbal dispute on Friday evening about possible infidelity. Lewis decided to leave the residence and allegedly took $200 belonging to the victim without permission. Lewis returned to the residence the next day, and the victim asked Lewis about the money she took from him. Lewis then grabbed the victim by the shirt collar and began striking him on his face, causing minor lacerations.
Lewis was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail. 

Buckler Arts & Craft Fair Hosted In Lakeland

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Buckler Arts & Craft Fair Hosted In Lakeland

Buckler Arts & Craft Fair Hosted In Lakeland

by James Coulter

What do unicorns, kittens, and Stormtroopers have in common? Normally, not much. But for a local mother-daughter team, they’re the perfect subjects for plush art.

For the past 21 years, Anita Glover and her mother Michelle Kolch have been making plush artwork together, including wall hangings and growth charts.

The two often focus on creating merchandise that appeals to young children. For that reason, they recently started making unique plush items based off of Star Wars characters, including Stormtroopers and The Child from “The Mandalorian.”

“My granddaughter is a major nerd,” Michelle said. “Everything we do is about personalization, everything we do is personalized.”

Recently, the mother-daughter duo showcased their artwork at Buckler Arts & Craft Fair in Lakeland last weekend. They normally do not attend such smaller shows, but with the pandemic forcing many of their usual shows to cancel or postpone, they decided to participate in this year’s event.

“Traditionally, we would not be here, but because of COVID, they have been canceled, and that is why we are here,” Michelle said. “We lost a lot of shows. The other shows have been canceled.”

For more than 30 years, Buckler Arts has been the largest promoter of indoor and outdoor events, hosting craft fairs and festivals across the state. They hosted their event in Lakeland at the RP Funding Center on Saturday and Sunday.

Nearly 100 vendors gathered within the convention center to sell their wares, ranging from painted wood to makeshift sculptures. With the holidays around the corner, many merchandise were themed to Christmas, with Christmas trees, ornaments, and stuffed snowmen.

Barbara Davis is a local Lakeland resident who specialized in creating snowmen plush. She has created hundreds of snowmen and dressed them in clothing themed after sports teams, including college and NFL.

“I don’t have every team, but I have a lot of them,” she said.

This was her first time at a Buckler event. She was quite surprised by the turnout, especially under recent circumstances. She appreciated being able to see so many people out there and taking caution by social distancing. If anything, it allowed her the opportunity to sell her dolls.

“Everybody needs a snowman,” she said. “You can’t make it yourself out of snow. You have to fake it.”

Doug Zonner, the owner of Pickle Patch, attended the event to sell his specialty pickles. He often sells them at local fairs and festivals, and even distributes them in local stores and service stations.

Some of his most popular pickles include the Garlic Lover, which is pickled with two tablespoons of ground garlic, giving them an extra garlic-y flavor.

He started making pickles in 2015 when his son gave him a pickling kit as a birthday present. Since then, he has given them away to family and friends, and started selling them.

“A lot of hard work,” is what he owes his success too. “People keep re-ordering them…We sell to independent owners and allow us to put them on their shelves, because their customers repeat buy.”

2020 Lake Wales Golf Scramble Offers Fun Even Amidst COVID

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2020 Lake Wales Golf Scramble Offers Fun Even Amidst COVID

2020 Lake Wales Golf Scramble Offers Fun Even Amidst COVID

by James Coulter

Howard Drake and his colleagues from Polk State College have been participating in the Lake Wales Golf Scramble for the past eight years. More than simply enjoying a simple game of golf, they especially love the camaraderie with each other and the support they provide to the local community.

Drake and his colleagues support the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce and many of the activities it hosts on behalf of their local community. Being able to do that while enjoying a day on the links is a bonus.

This year’s event proved smaller than in previous years, especially due to COVID-19. However, the weather was nice, and the gameplay was optimal, so a low turnout was hardly a turnoff for any of them.

“It is always important to support the community, and anytime you can have a positive impact on that, we want to be a part of that,” Drake said. “It is fun to be out, and as long as the weather is fine, we are in good shape.”

Drake and his team from Polk State College won first place during the 2020 Lake Wales Golf Scramble, hosted by the Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce at the Lake Wales County Club on Friday.

Roughly 18 teams arrived at the country club to test their luck in driving a hole-in-one on the links, as well as to participate in various contests. The day started with lunch at the country club, and ended with a small awards ceremony at the end of the day.

“We were really happy about the overall turnout today,” said Rebecca Klepacki, Vice-Chair of the Chamber Board. “Even with COVID and everything going on, we are appreciative of everyone who came out and supported the chamber.”

Hosting the event during the current COVID-19 crisis proved to be quite a challenge, as this year’s turnout was low. Nevertheless, the golf links proved to be the perfect place for participants to socially-distance themselves.

Overall, the sense of community and camaraderie among board members keeps people coming back time and again, and allows the event to continue being hosted year after year, even during a pandemic.

“I am appreciative of everyone coming out and supporting us and the Chamber,” she said. “We love seeing everyone in person for the first time. Keeping everyone socially distant, but seeing everyone in person was great.”

Robbie Sheilds of Florida Natural has been in the Chamber for the past 40 years. He has been participating with the golf committee for several years. Being among fellow members and having a good time keeps him coming back every year, he said.

“So it is good to see people you have not seen in a while,” he said. “We are excited with how it came out.”

This year’s event proved challenging due to COVID-19. Nevertheless, they did their best to maintain social distancing guidelines and ensure that everyone follows them as safely as possible while having a good time.

Sheilds plans on retiring soon, but even after he retires, he plans to continue participating in this annual event. If anything, retirement will allow him to continue doing what he loves best.

“I believe in the service to our community and I think the chamber has been such a worthy cause,” he said. “It was a great fundraiser [and] a great appearance by everybody.”

Tournament Winners:

1st Place A-Flight ($100 Team): Dr. Media/Polk Sun News

1st Place A-Flight ($200 Team): Polk State College

1st Place B-Flight: Dyer Auto

Putting Contest: Carson Wells

Closest to the Pin (#3): KC Gelger

Closest to the Pin (#12): Philip Daniels

Accurate Drive: Howard Drake

Long Drive: Philip Daniels

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