The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 22-year-old man early Sunday morning, March 29, 2020, in Winter Haven, after a deputy found him inside of a parked car with a 15-year-old girl, and neither of the car’s occupants had clothes on. The investigation determined that Michael McDole of Groveland traveled to Winter Haven to meet the victim after the two made initial contact on the social media app Snapchat. The victim managed to sneak out of the house in the middle of the night.
The deputy responded to the area of 30th Street NW and Avenue F NW in Winter Haven regarding a suspicious vehicle. When he arrived just before 6:00 a.m., the deputy located a parked Silver Toyota. When he looked into the car, he saw McDole on top of the victim.McDole and the victim both appeared heavily intoxicated, and three empty wine bottles were found in the backseat area. An examination of text messages between the two revealed that McDole was aware that the girl was only 15-years-old. “We say this all the time, but we cannot say it enough, closely monitor your child’s internet access. Vile, lecherous people like this guy are out there preying on children on line and on many different social media apps. Luckily, someone saw a suspicious vehicle and said something to us immediately, and we were able to intervene. Parents: be nosy, know what apps your children are on, know their passwords, and monitor their online activity.” Grady Judd, Sheriff. Michael McDole was transported to the Polk County Jail and charged with Lewd Battery on Minor Older than 12, but Younger than 16 (F2), Traveling to Meet to Meet a Minor to Seduce/Lure (F2), and Contributing To the Delinquency of a Minor (M1). McDole’s prior criminal history includes charges for Burglary (3), Grand Theft, Petit Theft, and Resisting. The investigation is ongoing.
You Won’t Believe How Many Children This Lake Wales
Woman Feeds Every Week
by James Coulter
Three weeks ago, Michelle Threatt answered a call from
God to feed the people in her community. She set up a tent in her driveway,
grilled hot dogs and French fries, and served them to whoever was hungry.
Overall, she and her volunteers fed 74 children and 11 adults that day.
“It was laid on my heart to feed the children,” Threatt
said. “God laid it on my heart to do [it] a few weeks, let’s feed the children.
It is a hard time for some families, [so I wanted] to help out and give a
little bit to eat.”
A lifelong Lake Wales resident, Threatt previously
worked at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for 15 years. After retiring in
2017, she wanted to pursue her dream in owning her own food truck, which she
still wants to do. However, a few weeks ago, she discovered a new calling after
skimming through social media and praying.
She discovered through Facebook posts that the only
meal most children eat are the school lunches provided at school; but with
schools closed due to the current coronavirus crisis, many children are now
left without anything to eat. She wanted to do something to address that.
“If somebody don’t stand up or do something for them,
what are they going to do?” she asked.
“How are they going to eat if someone don’t do something? A lot of people will
say they won’t do it. If not them, then who? I was thinking of that. If I
wouldn’t have done it, who would have?”
Kayla Lewis: Volunteer & Student at Polk State College
Three weeks ago, she decided to gather a few local
educators and teachers that she knew to help her feed the children of her local
community. Her first week, she felt compelled specifically to serve hot dogs
and French fries, but due to her own financial difficulties, she discovered she
wasn’t able to afford all that food. By happenstance, she received a call from
a neighbor telling her they had purchased several packs of meat for her,
including four large packs of hot dogs.
Charlotte Malory, Volunteer & Testing Coordinator at McLaughlin Middle School & Fine Arts, and Michelle Treatt
“I began to cry a little bit,” she confessed. “He
asked what is wrong. I said God laid it on my heart to get involved with our community
and feed the children, [and] what I wanted to serve is hot dogs and you have
four packs.”
That Wednesday, she and her team set up in her local
driveway and served hot dogs, French fries, juice, and popsicles. They were
able to feed nearly a hundred children and adults that day.
Since then, they have been regularly serving lunches
weekly from her driveway, and feeding more people every week. Last Wednesday,
they served brown bag lunches with sandwiches, snacks, fresh fruit cups,
cookies, and juices, to 124 children and 25 adults.
Teresa D. Lewis, Volunteer & School Counselor at Frostproof Middle Senior High School and her daughter, Kayla Lewis
To ensure the safety of her volunteers and the people
that they serve, Threatt takes special precautions. She and her team wear
gloves that they regularly change. They use plenty of hand sanitizer and ensured
no volunteers has any compromised immune systems. Most importantly, Threatt
prays before every meal.
“I trust God, I say my prayers, I pace up and down my
driveway for all of us to be covered” she explained. “I believe God would not
lay something on my heart for something negative to come from it.”
Each and every week sees more people being served more
meals. Many of them are from her local Lake Wales neighborhood. Others have
even come from as far as Haines City and Lake Hamilton.
Most of the increased turnout has been due to more
people discovering her through social media. Her Facebook wall features
comments expressing gratitude for her compassion and service.
“You’re being a blessing to our kids and community,”
one person wrote. “I thank you and appreciate all that you do and continue to
do!”
“God Blessings flow over you Michelle Threatt as you
continue to Bless his children,” another person wrote. “I know God will send even
more helpers in Jesus Name-Amen.”
Threatt humbly owes all of her success to God and to
the people who help her. Through her, they have discovered a sense of
community.
“A village has come together to make it happen; so it
is not just me, it is everybody who has come together for a cause,” she
explained. “We are all having a hard time right now, but if we come together,
we created a village, and I am happy it laid on my heart and I was obeyed and
moved as he led me to do.”
Threatt will be serving lunches once again from the
driveway of her home. This week, her team is serving spaghetti dinners. Lunch
will be served at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at 606 West Jackson Avenue in Lake
Wales, right behind Florida Natural.
For more information, visit her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.threatt.98
Okay – We know this is a long shot due to the blurry pictures, but maybe someone can help identify this guy. On 3/27/2020 around 6:15 a.m., this guy entered the dumpster area behind Zaxby’s (7454 Cypress Gardens Blvd) and removed 4 metal rods that are used to keep the dumpster closed. Really? Metal rods to keep the dumpster closed? He then removes wiring from a tube of an electric sign. Okay – anybody? If you look close, it appears he may have a Kangol-style hat. If you think you know who this is, please contact Sgt. Hall at 863-401-2256.
Lake Wales, Florida – Unfortunately it is that time of the year. A call went out around 4:48pm regarding a fire near 18550 Hwy 630. The area is known as River Ranch Property Owners Association.
The Polk County Fire Rescue responded with multiple units and also the department of forestry. They are currently dealing with multiple fire spots.
This unfortunately is a common occurrence this time of year. Their are sites from tent areas to small trailers and small structures on the property. Families spend countless hours enjoying nature out in the area.
The people that frequent the area request that everyone remember to put out camp fires and use common sense when it comes to starting one.
We will monitor and update as more information comes available.
Polk County, Florida – The Florida Department of Health has updated it’s dashboard and they are now listing 26 confirmed cases in Polk County. A breakdown of which city the cases are located has not yet been released. Here is the data currently available from the FDOH:
CASE DATA FOR POLK
Total Cases: 26
Residents: 26
Residents Not in Florida: 0
Non-Residents: 0
Demographics of Cases
Age Range: 8 to 88
Average Age: 51
Men: 13
Women: 13
Conditions and Care
Deaths: 0
Hospitalizations: 11
Jeremy Maready, Polk County Communications, advised that the county continues to monitor the situation. At this point we are not under any type of stay at home order. The mandates by the state and federal government are currently what is being recommended. Maready did advise that it is being closely monitored and if changes were to come that it would be available through to the media and citizens through various online options such as polk-county.net or the counties facebook pages.
While there currently is no known cure for COVID-19 there are drugs being studied that could be potential treatments for this virus. One of which is a common drug used to treat lupus called hydroxychloroquine. I want to reiterate that there is no cure for COVID-19 and taking this medication should not in any way be presumed to treat or prevent anyone from getting COVID-19.
President
Trump Tweeted on March 21, 2020, “Hydroxychloroquine & Azithromycin, taken
together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the
history of medicine, and that the FDA
has moved mountains to get the studies underway fast, as posted in an article posted on nbcnews.com on
March 23, 2020.” Again, I want to reiterate that this has not been proven as of
yet and the goal of this article is to present the facts as we know them now,
not speculation.
The drug hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is an anti-malarial drug used to treat malaria. However, during WWII it was discovered that hydroxychloroquine was effective in treating the symptoms of lupus according to hopkinslupus.org. Which is John Hopkins Lupus Center’s website. This Drug reduces muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and helps alleviate skin rashes associated with lupus. As well as, keeping lupus from attacking other organs. According to rheumnow.com the use of hydroxychloroquine didn’t become a popular treatment for lupus until the 1980’s. This drug is still one of the main treatments today used in conjunction with other therapies to treat not only lupus, but also rheumatoid arthritis as well.
According to the CDC’s website there are studies underway to see if hydroxychloroquine can in fact aid in treatment of COVID-19. A study done in China showed that there was some benefit in using hydroxychloroquine versus a compared group. It is not just the US that is preforming studies, several countries are looking into this drug as well, in fact it is currently being recommended as treatment for those hospitalized with COVID-19 in some countries.
I don’t want
to present false hope as this being a treatment or that those who take this
drug that it is somehow going to prevent the virus. That is just simply not
true, and more research is needed. That is not the aim of this article, it is
simply to keep us informed.
I also want to mention that there is talk of a shortage among those who rely on hydroxychloroquine daily to function or keep your disease at bay. As of right now, for most the drug is on back order, my self-included. This was the bases of the NBC’s article to show how the mention of using hydroxychloroquine has potentially caused a shortage. It is too soon to panic about the shortage we just need to wait and see. There has been talk of ramping up production and possibly importing hydroxychloroquine in from India.
Wouldn’t it
be cool though if a medication that those who suffer from autoimmune diseases
use every day could be the cure for this virus that has caused a global
pandemic. I know this medication has definitely been a game changer with my
lupus. I am not a medical professional just a fellow warrior. I chose to look
at the positive and not focus on a medication shortage, but that a medication I
use could help others. Have a blessed day!
Polk State College to continue all classes online through summer 2020
Friday, March 27, 2020 — Polk State College will continue all classes online through the Summer 2020 Semester to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The College suspended instruction on March 16 and will resume all classes, including dual enrollment and Polk State’s three collegiate high schools, online on Monday, March 30, for the remainder of the Spring 2020 Semester. Due to the evolving public health emergency, faculty and staff are also preparing for a fully online summer semester.
“Polk State College is committed to ensuring our students have the opportunity and the resources they need to continue toward their educational goals during these challenging times,” Polk State President Angela Garcia Falconetti said. “Faculty and staff are working diligently to make the transition to the online learning environment as smooth as possible for students so that they may be successful in their academic endeavors while remaining safe and healthy.”
The College has postponed summer registration dates to allow more time for students and prospective students to receive advising services.
Priority and dual-enrollment registration that was scheduled to start on March 30 will now begin on April 6.
Open enrollment that was scheduled to start on April 6 will now begin on April 13.
Summer classes will start online on May 6.
Prospective students must submit a free online application at www.polk.edu/admission-aid. Current students may register for classes through PASSPORT.
Advisors are available to assist students and prospective students with setting their academic goals, accessing information and services, and making responsible decisions consistent with their goals and degree requirements. Students may email [email protected] or call 863.297.1000.
Starting on April 1, students and prospective students will also be able to connect with advisors and other members of Student Services staff through Zoom, a remote-conferencing software program. They can easily access Zoom once a Polk State staff member provides a link via email. They can then use Zoom to video chat through a computer or through the Zoom app available for download on iOS and Android devices. A voice call option is also available.
“Although our students are not able to visit our campuses and centers to help prevent the spread of COIVD-19, they will still receive excellent service,” said Sylvester Little, Dean of Student Services on the Lakeland Campus. “We are doing everything we can to help our students through multiple means of communication.”
Students are also encouraged to begin the financial aid process as soon as possible. The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who need assistance may email [email protected], call 863.297.1000, or view the College’s online FAFSA tutorial here.
Additionally, a list of resources for taking online classes is available here.
Throughout the registration and financial aid process, students should regularly check PASSPORT and their College email for important information. Students are also asked to monitor polk.edu and Polk State’s social media for updates related to COVID-19.
About Polk State College
Located in Winter Haven, Florida, and established in 1964, Polk State College is a multi-campus institution serving more than 16,000 students with Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Science degrees, as well as a wide range of certificate and workforce training options. The College also operates three charter high schools.
Polk State’s advantages include small class sizes; hands-on learning; dedicated faculty; day and night classes; online options; affordable tuition; excellent financial aid; and a diverse community and vibrant student life, including fine arts opportunities, clubs, and intercollegiate athletics.
Alachua County ordered all
non-essential businesses to cease and residents to stay at home except for
essential activity. The order went into effect March 24 and
remains until a state of emergency is lifted. The order allows essential
businesses to remain open, including medical providers, grocery stores,
hardware stores and restaurants. It allows individuals to go outside, but parks
and all places of public assembly are closed.
County officials implemented an order for residents to stay inside unless getting food,
transporting to work or addressing an emergency. The order went into effect on
March 27. When individuals do go out, the order makes clear they need to
practice social distancing. Non-essential retail, nonprofits and commercial
businesses have been closed.
Collier County: Stay at home order in the works
Collier County commissioners have reached out to Lee County
leaders about developing a stay at home order in effect region-wide. The board
meets March 27 to discuss whether to implement a stay-at-home order. The order
under consideration is similar to others, closing all non-essential business
and requiring residents to stay at home except for essential activity.
Duval County: Work at home order
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry put in place
an order that any business with the ability to have employees work from home
must do so.Employees working at businesses must maintain 6-foot
social distancing. The order took effect March 24. Chief Judge Mark
Mahon has also closed down all county court facilities.
Escambia County: Beach closure
County Commissioners voted to close down Pensacola Beach and
Perdido Key Beach through April 2.
Hernando County: Government closures
No sheltering order or curfew has been set, but public parks
and libraries are closed.
The Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group approved a safer at home order
that will go into effect at 10 p.m. on March 27. The order will require all
residents and open businesses to maintain Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
guidelines on social distancing, including maintaining a six-foot distance from
others. Any businesses considered non-essential that could not meet that
requirement would be forced to close. Examples of businesses that will not be
able to operate under the county’s order include things like, hair and nail
salons, barber shops and hair stylists, massage parlors and alternations.
Officials elected not to implement a curfew at this time.
Lee County: Stay at home order, con-essential
business closure in the works
Lee County has closed beaches, pools, libraries, walkup
lobbies and counters in most public buildings. At a Lee County Commission
meeting on March 25, commissioners looked at draft language for a stay at home
order, as well as restrictions closing non-essential businesses, but put off
any vote until at least Monday.
Leon County residents are ordered to stay at home starting at 11 p.m.
March 25. The order “strongly
encourages” people not conducting essential activities to stay at home. But
people may still go to work, obtain necessary supplies, do outdoor recreation
and help the health and safety of others. A curfew, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.,
also went into effect March 25. Law enforcement can stop and charge people for
being outside their homes, within officers’ discretion, during those hours.
Manatee County: Beach closures
County Commissioners voted to close down all beaches
beginning on March 19, and will close boat ramps on March 26.
Mayor Carlos Giminez signed a safer at home order requiring all
individuals to stay at home except to engage in essential activities like
grocery shopping or to address emergencies. The order went into effect
immediately on March 26, and will expire when a county state of emergency is
lifted.
Osceola County’s emergency decision-making policy group
approved an order for all non-essential retail and commercial businesses to
close, and for all residents to stay home from non-essential travel. This order took effect at 11 p.m.,
March 26 and will continue for two weeks until April 9 at 11 p.m.
Mayor Jerry Demings issued a stay at home order that went into effect at 11 p.m.
March 26 and will remain through 11 p.m. April 9. The order allows people to shop for
food, medicines and other essentials or to work at jobs for essential
businesses that cannot be done from home.
Okaloosa County: Beach closure
All public beaches in the county have been closed.
Osceola County: Stay at home order, curfew
County leaders implemented to enact a Stay at home order
starting 11pm on March 26 and running through April 9.
Palm Beach County: Non-essential business closure, beach closures
Gov. DeSantis’s executive order shutting down all beaches in Broward also impacts Palm Beach
County. The order shuts
down noncritical retail and commercial business locations, including all movie
theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys, arcades,
gymnasiums and fitness studios. It was issued March 20 and will last at least
until March 31.
Pasco County: Social distancing recommendations
The county does not have any type of sheltering order or
curfew in place, but has recommended individuals use electronic checkout of
library materials.
Pinellas County: Safer at home order
Pinellas County Commissioners approved a safer at home order that went into effect March
26. People will be permitted to patronize essential businesses like grocery
stores, pharmacies, banks and gas stations. They also can patronize any
non-essential businesses that attest to adhering to Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention standards for social distancing.
Polk County: Social distancing recommendations
No curfew or shelter orders have been issued, but government
services including libraries are promoting curbside service.
Sarasota County: Beach closures
The county has closed down its beaches, a top tourism
driver, since March 21. But the Sarasota County Attorney’s Office has actually
decided commissioners don’t have the legal right to issue a stay at home order
with further restrictions than those already ordered by DeSantis.
Santa Rosa County: Beach closures
County Commissioners voted to close down beaches in the
county starting on April 20.
Walton County: Beach closure
All public beaches in the county have been closed.
