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Lakeland Police K-9 Best in the State

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Lakeland Police K-9 Best in the State
 
Lakeland, Fl. (March 9, 2017) –  The Lakeland Police Department competed in the 2017 USPCA Region 1 Field Trials between February 27th and March 3rd. The trials were held in Gulf Breeze, Florida at the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
 
The Lakeland Police Officer Chad Whitaker and K9 Nox took home the TOP DOG award once again and just a few points behind in second place was Officer Cory Bowling and K9 Valor.
 
The Lakeland Police K-9 Team also took home both the first and second place four-man team awards.
Individual (top 20)
#1 Ofc. Chad Whitaker/ Ron Bowling Top Dog Award
#2 Ofc. Cory Bowling

#6 Ofc. Jeremy Williams
#8 Ofc. Jeff Barrett
#9 Ofc. Travis Miller
#11 Ofc. Ryan Back
#18 Ofc. Virgil Cardin

Out of 9 departments competing for the 4 Man Team, the Lakeland Police Department placed 1
st with Officers Jeff Barrett, Cory Bowling, Chad Whitaker and Ryan McLaughlin.  They also 2nd with Officers Virgil Cardin, Jeremy Williams, Travis Miller and Ryan Back.

Other awards went to:
Top Explosive –  Aaron Peterman and K9 Blizzard 1st Place
Obedience: 
Officer Chad Whitaker and K9 Nox 1st Place

Officer Cory Bowling and K9 Valor 2nd Place


Agility: 
Officer Jeremy Williams and K9 Hyde – 1st Place

Officer Chad Whitaker and K9 Nox – 2nd Place

Officer Jeff Barrett and K9 Echo & Officer Ryan McLaughlin and K9 Aztor tied for 3rd Place

Officer Cory Bowling and K9 Valor – 5th Place


Search Work: 
Officer Cory Bowling and K9 Valor – 2nd Place
Officer Jeff Barrett and K9 Echo – 5th Place

Criminal Apprehension: 
Officer Chad Whitaker and K9 Nox 1st Place

Officer Cory Bowling and K9 Valor  3rd Place


Fred Wheeler Award (top obedience and apprehension combined): 
Officer Chad Whitaker and K9 Nox
 
 

“Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program heads back to the Crystal Lake, Eaton Park, Skyview and South Combee Communities.

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“Clean It Up to Green It Up” Program heads back to the Crystal Lake, Eaton Park, Skyview and South Combee Communities.

(March 2017) – 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 Crystal Lake, Eaton Park,  Skyview and South Combee Communities on Saturday, March 18, 2017. (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 curbside.  All households are asked to participate by placing these items by the curb no later than 8am for this one day event.  
 
Residents of this community are asked to join Keep Polk County Beautiful at the Rhema Word of Faith International Church, 3330 Skyview Dr.  for a Tire Recycling Event from 8am- 12pm. Residents of Polk County may dispose of up to 24 tires.  Absolutely NO COMMERCIAL WASTE OR TIRES WILL BE ACCEPTED.  Participants must show photo ID/proof of Polk County residency to take advantage of the free disposal. Waste Tire Hauling limits will be strictly enforced. 
 
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 kpcbeautiful@yahoo.com .
 
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/ .
For Tire Recycling limits and questions, contact KPCB before the event date.  KPCB and Waste Resource Management (Board of County Commissioners) will be at this community event to answer any trash/recycling questions, provide informational items and provide residents with a recycling bin if they currently do not have one.
 

Early Morning Duplex Fire Causes Two Families To Be Displaced From Their Homes

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Lakeland, Florida – A fire early Saturday morning in Skyview caused two families to be displaced from their homes. The fire started around 1:15 a.m. in the kitchen of 1525 Moolite Drive in Lakeland. When Polk County Fire Rescue arrived a few minutes later, heavy smoke and fire were seen at the rear of the structure.

Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to the adjacent residence. The side of the duplex where the fire originated sustained heavy damage. There was also smoke and water damage throughout the home. Fire did not extend into the adjacent duplex, but it sustained smoke and water damage. Utilities to both units have been turned off due to the fire.


The fire appears to be accidental. The resident at 1525 Moonlite Drive told firefighters she cooked some food around midnight and then went to bed. The fire started on or around the stove area.

A 40-year-old grandmother and her 6 month old grandson lived in 1525 Moonlite Drive. The Red Cross was called to assist them. A 48-year-old mother and her 11-year-old son lived in 1523 Moonlite Drive, which is the duplex next door. They declined Red Cross assistance. Each family had a dog that also lived at the home.

Both units had working smoke alarms. No one was injured.

PCSO Arrests Two Juveniles For Armed Burglary, Suspect Posted Pic of Stolen Gun on Facebook

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PCSO Arrests Two Juveniles For Armed Burglary, Suspect Posted Pic of Stolen Gun on Facebook

On March 10, 2017, PCSO deputies arrested two 16-year-old boys for armed burglary, during which a firearm and credit cards were stolen from the victim’s car when it was parked in her driveway. One of the suspects, Aaron Atkinson, posted a photo of himself holding the stolen gun, on Facebook. One of his friends commented that he was “doing too much on Facebook” and the “polk sheriff” would be on his tail, to which Atkinson replied, “[expletive] ’em” (see photos below).


Aaron Atkinson, DOB 5/26/2000, of Bartow, is being charged with:

  • Armed Burglary (F-1)
  • Possession of Weapon by Convicted Felon (F-2)
  • Grand Theft of Firearm (F-3)
  • Grand Theft (F-3)
  • Illegal Use of Credit Card (F-3)
  • Criminal Use of Personal ID (F-3)
  • Violation of Probation (M-2)
  • Theft (M-1)
  • Giving False Info to LEO (M-1)

Raven Scott, DOB 5/22/2000, of Lakeland, is being charged with:

  • Armed Burglary (F-1)
  • Grand Theft of Firearm (F-3)
  • Grand Theft (F-3)
  • Violation of Probation (M-2)

They were both arrested and taken to the JAC. As such, we do not have mugshots for them.

The following are excerpts from their affidavits, and they are self-explanatory:

On 03/09/2017 between 7:00 PM and 11:17 PM, the suspect, Aaron Atkinson, walked into a driveway on Iowa Road in Lakeland, as the co-defendant, Raven Scott, stayed nearby on his bicycle. Atkinson approached the victim’s 2016 Nissan Rogue that was parked in the driveway and stole items from within while Scott remained on Iowa Road assisting in the burglary as a lookout person.  

Atkinson stole a Thompson .45 caliber semi-automatic firearm valued at $400.00 from within the center console of the vehicle; the victim’s brown leather Dooney & Burke purse valued at $350.00, which contained the victim’s Florida driver’s license, Capital One credit card, and Wells Fargo debit card; a 14kt. yellow gold wedding band valued at $200.00; a 14kt. yellow gold pendant with charms valued at $300.00; and a silver metal necklace valued at $8.00.

Atkinson and Scott returned to the residence at 2121 Christy Lane in Lakeland (Scott’s home). On 03/09/2017 at 11:26 PM and 11:41 PM, Atkinson contacted Domino’s Pizza located at 339 Bartow Road in Lakeland, and attempted to purchase three large pizzas, chicken wings, and a two litter of Coke each time.  Both times Atkinson used the victim’s Capital One card and wanted the food delivered to 2121 Christy Lane in Lakeland, but each transaction for $49.88 was declined.  

On 03/10/2017 at 12:42 AM, Atkinson attempted to purchase jewelry via an online purchase from SP Industries in Pasadena, California, using the victim’s Capital One card but the transaction for $799.99 was declined.  On 03/10/2017 at 12:44 AM, Atkinson attempted to purchase jewelry via an online purchase from SP Industries in Pasadena, California using the victim’s Wells Fargo debit card but the transaction for $799.99 was declined.

T
he victim received a text message notifying her of the declined transaction. The victim then exited the residence and discovered that her white Nissan Rogue had been burglarized. The victim contacted her financial institutions and was able to determine where the declined charges occurred to include the charges at Domino’s Pizza.

Detectives determined the phone number used in the Domino’s Pizza order was registered to Shane Atkinson, which was connected to a Facebook profile. While conducting a search through Facebook for the suspect, detectives located a photograph of the suspect holding a black semi-automatic firearm, posted on his Facebook page on 03/10/2017 at approximately 1:45 AM.

The victim viewed the photograph and positively identified the firearm as being the Thompson .45 caliber semi-automatic that was stolen from the center console of her vehicle. The victim stated that her father had drilled holes in the trigger guard to make the firearm unique and the firearm in the photograph had the same identifying features.

Atkinson was later located in the roadway in front of 2230 Christy Lane in Lakeland, Florida. He identified himself as John Shane Johnny with the date of birth of 05/26/97. Detectives called phone number 863-547-7890, twice, and during both times the phone in “John Johnny’s” possession began to ring. Detectives again asked the suspect his name, and the suspect continued to state that his name was John Johnny. When they told the suspect they were calling his cellular phone, the suspect stated “You tricked me,” and advised that his name is Aaron Shane Atkinson.

In the suspect’s backpack, detectives located a 14kt. gold charm, a silver metal necklace and charm, and a pack of Marlboro Special Blend cigarettes (the same brand the victim smokes).

Post Miranda, both Atkinson and Scott stated during the night of 03/09/2017, they went to Eaton Park, and while Atkinson broke into a white car, Scott rode down the roadway on his bicycle and acted as a lookout person.

Detectives located the stolen Thompson .45 caliber from the bottom drawer of a dresser within Scott’s bedroom. Atkinson told detectives he hid it there without Scott’s knowledge. All of the other stolen property was located as well.

A check through the Department of Juvenile Justice database was conducted – it was determined Atkinson was found guilty for burglary of an unoccupied conveyance (court docket #2016-CJ-001384-0000-00) on 07/27/16; possession of a weapon or ammo by convicted felon (court docket #2014-CJ-000198-0000) on 02/12/14; and burglary of an occupied dwelling (court docket #2012-CJ-002961-0000) on 08/29/12.  

Atkinson has an extensive juvenile criminal history with charges such as petit theft, trespassing, motor vehicle theft, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, interfering with custody of a minor, battery, burglary of an occupied conveyance, grand theft, dealing in stolen property, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, possession of stolen credit cards, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon on school property, possession of a weapon or ammunition by convicted felon, stalking, resisting arrest without violence, burglary of a dwelling cause over $1,000 in damage, burglary of occupied dwelling, and felony criminal mischief.
 
Scott has an extensive juvenile criminal history with numerous counts of burglary of unoccupied conveyance, numerous counts of burglary of an unoccupied structure, felony criminal mischief, petit theft, motor vehicle theft, grand theft, grand theft of fire extinguisher, burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and trespassing.

Middle And High School Students Will Pitch Their Business Ideas April 5th

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Middle And High School Students Will Pitch Their Business Ideas April 5th

 


LAKELAND – Young entrepreneurs will get a chance to pitch their business plans to a panel of Polk business leaders in a local version of “The Shark Tank.”

 

On Wednesday, April 5, sixteen student entrepreneurs will take the stage, dressed as young professionals, and be ready to wow local investors.

 

Students in grades 6 through 12, representing 16 businesses from the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Polk County (YEA! POLK), a chapter of the Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce, will each have five minutes to pitch their business plans to prominent local members of the business community.

 

Based on the appeal and merit of the students’ plans and presentations, representatives from companies such as Bank of Central Florida, McGee Auto Service & Tires, and SunTrust will determine the amount of funds to allocate to each business.

 

The investors will also select one business to advance to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy Saunders Scholars Competition, where they will compete with students across the United States for college scholarships.

 

The event is free and open to the public. Interviews with young entrepreneurs or members of the judging panel can be arranged.

 

Location: Bush Chapel, Southeastern University, Lakeland
Date/Time Information: Wednesday, April 5, 2017
5:30 – 6:00 pm Meet & Greet
6:00 – 8:00 pm Investor Panel Presentation
Contact Information: Rebecca Fortier (863) 688-8551 x 229 rfortier@lakelandchamber.com

 

Photo: Students from the 2016 Investor Panel Presentation event

 

 

 

 

Lakeland’s Fallen Police Officers Honored with New Memorial

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LAKELAND, FL –  (March 17, 2017)


Lakeland’s Fallen Police Officers Honored with New Memorial
Dedication Ceremony Set for March 20, 2017


WHO:  Lakeland Police Department, Families of Fallen Officers and the Public
WHAT:  Lakeland Police Fallen Heroes Memorial Dedication
WHEN:  Monday, March 20, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE:  Lakeland Police Department, 219 North Massachusetts Avenue
WHY:  Honoring Lakeland’s Fallen Officers

LAKELAND, FL (March 6, 2017) – The Lakeland Police Department invites the community to join us and family members of our fallen officers at the dedication ceremony for the Lakeland Police Fallen Heroes Memorial on Monday, March 20, 2017, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Memorial is located at the front entrance of the Lakeland Police Department, located at 219 North Massachusetts Avenue.

The Memorial is a beautiful site that honors Lakeland’s five fallen officers: Patrolman William Barnett, Patrolman Thomas Nicholson, Officer Eugene DeBerry, Officer Carl Cushman and Officer Arnulfo Crispin. The centerpiece features a life-size bronze Honor Guard sculpture atop a granite backdrop watching over the names of the fallen officers. Attached to the granite are five glass plaques, each etched with a fallen officer’s name and photo.  Also featured is a large glass badge, illuminated with LED lights, to serve as a reminder of those still serving.  The foundation of the site is lined with personalized engraved bricks which were sold to help fund the project.

Assistant Chief Link, who also serves on the project team, stated “This memorial will forever honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens of Lakeland. It has been very humbling to see the support from our community. Without their donations, the memorial would not have been possible.”.

To ensure safety for those attending the event, the main entrance to the station will be closed beginning at 4:00 p.m.  Those who need to visit the station for police business should enter on Bay Street.)  The portion of Massachusetts Avenue between Cedar Street and Bay Street will be closed beginning at 6:00 p.m. Motorists will be detoured one block over to Kentucky Avenue. Detours will be clearly marked and traffic will be redirected.   Parking for the event is available throughout Downtown.

For additional information, please visit www.lakelandpolicefoundation.com

Lakeland Chamber Hosts Networking Training Event

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Lakeland Chamber Hosts Networking Training Event


The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce will host a free event teaching the basics of business networking on Thursday, March 23, from 7:45 am to 9:30 am.

 

The event, presented by Dr. Joe Perez and Prof. Maggie Morera, will cover delivering effective ‘elevator speeches’, networking during conferences, and maximizing network opportunities at all kinds of business events.

 

This is a free event, open to the public, but reservations are required.

 

The event will be held at the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, 35 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland.

 

Contact Becky Bywater at info@centralflscore.org to register.

 

Visit centralflorida.score.org/localworkshops for more information.

 

Publix and BayCare Health System Announce Healthcare Collaboration

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Publix and BayCare Health System Announce Healthcare Collaboration 

LAKELAND  – Publix Pharmacy and BayCare Health System have signed an agreement that makes BayCare Publix’s exclusive health care and telehealth collaborator within Polk County and three other Florida counties.

 

The BayCare-branded telehealth sites will have a private room with teleconferencing and medical diagnostic equipment, including stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, high-definition cameras and other tools necessary for common diagnoses.

 

The collaboration, the details of which will be finalized by the end of the year, initially will include BayCare branded telehealth sites in various Publix locations, BayCare screening stations in all Publix locations and Publix Pharmacies on-site at five BayCare hospital locations.

 

Publix Vice President of Pharmacy Operations Fred Ottolino called it an exciting collaboration.

 

“Through this agreement, we will not only be able to provide BayCare medical expertise to Publix customers seeking non-urgent medical care, but we will also be able to bring Publix’s premier service to BayCare’s patients.”

 

 

The telehealth sites allow patients to speak directly via video conferencing technology with a board-certified physician through BayCare’s physician network. The physician can direct the patient to use the available diagnostic tools in order to make a diagnosis and write any necessary prescriptions.

 

Glenn Waters, Executive Vice President/COO, BayCare Health System said BayCare and Publix share the “core value of excellence.”


Man Who Stole Woman’s Car At Dollar General Store Captured

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Man Who Stole Woman’s Car At Dollar General Store Captured


LAKELAND – A 23-year-old Hardee County man is behind bars for robbery and auto theft, after the Polk County Sheriff’s Office says he stole a car from a Lakeland Dollar General store and later crashed it.

 

On Saturday, March 18, Dallas Thomas was seen entering the Dollar General Store on South Florida Avenue. He followed a 57-year-old woman around the store, then snatched her keys, ran out of the store, took the woman’s car and fled. Both the woman and a store clerk tried to stop him.

 

The Sheriff’s Office was able to easily track the man because he left a black garbage bag behind in the parking lot that contained his clothes, other items, and paperwork with his name on them.  Dollar General security camera footage also gave law enforcement a clear description of the man, said a Sheriff’s Office report.

 

On Sunday, Thomas, wearing the same clothes as the day before, crashed the stolen vehicle in Hardee County. A bystander who offered to help him says he was on the ground asking for assistance. When police and EMT responded, they ran the car’s license tag and found the theft and robbery and identified him as a suspect in the Polk County crime.

 

He was checked out medically and then booked into the Hardee County Jail.

 

Open House For the New Walker Road Park March 28

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Open House For The New Walker Road Park March 28

 


Polk County Parks & Recreation will be hosting an open house at the new Walker Road Park on Tuesday March 28, 2017 at 6 p.m. The park will be open to tour and a meeting will be held for athletic groups interested in utilizing the facility. The park will feature four lit softball fields, multipurpose fields and much more

 

Walker Road Park is located at 1285 Walker Road Lakeland, FL 33810.

 

For more information, please call (863) 534-4340.

 

Deputies are Looking for Missing Mom and Sons Who Went Missing After She Was Ordered to Return Children to Father

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Update:  PCSO Detectives have made contact, located, and ensured Kelli Alderman and the two kids are safe.

A judge in GA has rescinded the original court order granting the father custody of the children. The family is no longer missing and the case is closed in Polk County.


 

Deputies seek missing mom and kids

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives are looking for 39-year-old Kelli Rae Alderman and her two male children; 9-year-old Sid Large who has brown hair, brown eyes, weighs 85lbs and approximately 4″ tall; and 5-year-old Ace Large, who has brown hair, brown eyes, weighs approximately 35 pounds and is about 3″ tall. The children are considered endangered.  They have been court ordered to be returned to their father, Dennis Hagood of Homerville Georgia. Mr. Hagood has a court order from both Georgia and Polk County, Florida to have custody of the children.

Kelli Rae Alderman was last seen at the Court House in Bartow yesterday, March 21, 2017, around 3:00 p.m., where she was ordered to turn over the children to their father. Alderman is suspected to be driving a 2016 gray Toyota Corolla, with Georgia tags: RFT6238.

Alderman was last known to be living at her mother’s residence located at 8292 Lake James Drive, Lakeland.  She recently lived in Georgia. Alderman’s mother is 73-year-old Faye Louise Adams. Detectives checked Adam’s residence, and neither Alderman, the children, nor Adams were home.

Adams is known to drive a 2010 gray Lexus ES350 Florida tag, HBXS56. The Lexus is also missing from the home.


If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of Alderman, the children, or Adams, please contact Detective Maria Sorensen at 863-287-7441 or the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 863-298-6200.

Forgery Suspect Gets Plastic Surgery – Lakeland Police Need Assistance Locating Supsect

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LAKELAND, FL (March 23, 2017) –  On March 2nd, the Lakeland Police Department initiated a police report revealing that the Watson Clinic, 1600 Lakeland Hills Boulevard, was the victim of a forgery. On March 3rd, Det. Dustin Fetz began his investigation.


It was discovered that at an unknown time and unknown means, a resident of Illinois identified as K.C. to protect her identity, had her identity and personal information stolen. Several credit applications had been opened in K.C.’s name that she did not approve. One of the applications was for Care Credit at Watson Clinic. The suspect, Nyaira Thomas, presented herself to Watson Clinic staff as K.C. and had a fraudulent Illinois ID with her picture on it. Thomas had two procedures done on separate occasions.

On February 20th, Thomas received breast implants, liposuction of her flanks, and the fat from the flanks were placed in her buttocks. The cost for this procedure was $10, 495.00. On February 27th, Thomas received one (1) CC of Juvederm in her lips at a cost of $530.00.

The total cost is $11,025.00.

Det. Fetz was able to locate a Lake Wales address off of a credit application report and Det. Fetz furthermore located a witness that identified Thomas. Further investigation consisting of witness interviews and photo packs that identified Thomas as the suspect. A complaint affidavit was filed charging Thomas with:

  • 1.Criminal Use of Personal ID
  • 2. Forgery
  • 3.Grand Theft over $10,000.00

Thomas’s whereabouts are unknown at this time and if anyone knows her location, they can contact Det. Dustin Fetz at 863-834-8993 or via email at dustin.fetz@lakelandgov.net.

Suspect – Nyaira Ronnie Thomas, 20 years old, Last Known Address: 112 Sunrise Parkway, Lake Wales, Florida.

 

Suspect Charged After Eating Pancakes in Roadway

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Suspect Charged After Eating Pancakes in Roadway

 


 

LAKELAND, FL (March 24, 2017) – On March 21st at 10:50 a.m., the Lakeland Police Department received a call about a man sitting in a crosswalk of the eastbound lanes of Memorial Boulevard and Brunnell Parkway. The caller stated the subject was sitting in a chair with a small “TV” table in front of him eating what appeared to be pancakes. Responding officers were unable to locate the subject and determined that he had left the area prior to their arrival.

A video of this incident was later posted on Facebook and shared in a message to the LakelandPD Facebook. In addition, several people tagged the video with his name, Kiaron Thomas.

The incident was followed up by the Neighborhood Liaison Officers on March 23rd and officers determined that he lived approximately 100 yards south of the intersection of the incident. Thomas was interviewed and he admitted that he did it as a prank.

Thomas’s actions prevented vehicles from moving and created an obstruction. Thomas was charged with: Placing an Obstruction in the Roadway and Disrupting the free flow of traffic and issued a court date of April 25, 2017.

Below is a link to a video of the incident:

https://www.facebook.com/travis.riley.39/videos/1267075326710069/

 

County issues Cease and Desist letter to owners of BS Ranch & Farm

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County issues Cease and Desist letter to owners of BS Ranch & Farm
 
Bartow, Fla. (March 24, 2017) — The Board of County Commissioners has issued a Cease and Desist letter, and an Amended Notice of Violation and Notice of Hearing for Polk County Code Enforcement, to WHS Visions of Lakeland LLC. WHS Visions of Lakeland operates BS Ranch and Farm.
 
On Tuesday, the Board voted unanimously to direct the county attorney’s office to begin working on a cease and desist order for BS Ranch and Farm. BS Ranch and Farm recycles human waste, out-of-date foods and mulch into soil, then sells it to growers throughout the state.
 
BS Farm and Ranch has been cited for failure to comply with the Polk County Land Development Code, as well as numerous instances of objectionable odors emitted from their soil manufacturing facility. Residents in the area began complaining of the offensive odor shortly after the land development code change to allow soil manufacturing was approved in a public hearing December 6, 2016. 
 
Following the county’s directive, the facility should not be accepting new materials during this time, but in the interest of public health and safety, the facility will need to continue interim management of existing onsite materials and the removal of any such waste from the site.
 
Their hearing before a special magistrate regarding the county’s code enforcement violations is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. April 20 in the boardroom at the Neil Combee Administration Building, 330 W. Church St. in Bartow.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit is Invesiting a Fatal Crash From Last Night in Lakeland

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The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit is investigating a traffic crash that resulted in one fatality of a 23-year-old Lakeland woman and occurred last evening in north Lakeland. Preliminary information so far is as follows:


Around 9:15 p.m. last evening, Monday, March 27, 2017,  a 1999 silver Ford F-250 pickup truck was heading east bound on Deeson Rd near Christine Rd in Lakeland when according to the driver, another pick-up truck in front of it began braking. Trying to avoid a collision, the driver of the Ford F-250 took evasive action by trying to steer around the other truck. The F-250 left the roadway on the north side of Deeson Road, and struck a drainage culvert causing it to flip end over end one time. The truck struck a chain link fence as it flipped, coming to final rest on its wheels facing west.

The occupants of the F-250 and their injuries are:

Driver- 16-year-old Haley Carnley of Lakeland; minor injuries

Passenger- 23-year-old Rachel Nicole Tew of Lakeland; deceased

Neither occupant appears to have been seat belted. Impairment does not appear to be a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

Deputies are trying to locate the driver of an early 2000’s silver pick-up truck as a witness to this investigation. This is the truck that was ahead of the F-250 on Deeson Road at the time of the crash. If anyone has information about this crash, they are urged to contact the PCSO Traffic Unit at 863-298-6200.


Lakeland Man Arrested for 65 Counts of Lewd Molestation

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PCSO Deputies Arrest Lakeland Man for 65 Counts Lewd Molestation
On Tuesday, March 28, 2017, PCSO deputies arrested 65-year-old Ezra Raulerson, Sr., of Lakeland, for 65 counts Lewd Molestation on Victims Under 12, after the abuse was reported to PCSO and he made a full confession.
 
The following are excerpts from the affidavit, and are self-explanatory. They are also very graphic. As a reminder, any identifying information about victims of lewd molestation are confidential and exempt per Florida Statute 119.
 
In March 2017, a woman contacted the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to report that Ezra Raulerson had touched three juvenile girls that he had access to, between the ages of 9 and 14 years old, in an inappropriate/sexual manner.

During forensic interviews with the victims, all three reported Ezra touched them on their breasts and vaginas.


During an interview with Ezra Raulerson, Ezra stated that he touched/rubbed one victim on her breasts and vagina (under her clothing) with his hand when she was approximately 10-11 years of age. Ezra said he would ask her if he could give her a “tummy rub” and when she would say yes, Ezra said he would then rub her breasts and vagina. Ezra said he touched her in this manner approximately 30 times when she was between 10 and 11 years of age. 


Ezra stated that he touched/rubbed another victim on her breasts and vagina (under her clothing) with his hand when she was 10 years of age. Ezra said he would ask her if he could give her a “tummy rub” and when she would say yes, Ezra said he would then rub her breasts and vagina. Ezra said he touched her in this manner approximately 15 times when she was 10 years of age. 


Ezra stated that he touched/rubbed another victim on her breasts and vagina (under her clothing) with his hand when she was 9 years of age. Ezra said he would ask her if he could give her a “tummy rub” and when she would say yes, Ezra said he would then rub her breasts and vagina. Ezra said he touched her in this manner approximately 20 times when she was 9 years of age.  
 
The abuse was ongoing until approximately three weeks ago.

It was determined that
Ezra Raulerson (W/M, 08-06-1951), violated F.S.S. 800.04(5B), lewd molestation, due to the fact he intentionally touched the victims’ breasts and vaginas in a lewd or lascivious manner 30 times when one was 10 and 11 years of age and he was 61 and 62 years of age; 15 times when one was 10 years of age and he was 65 years of age; and 20 times 
when one was 9 years of age and he was 65 years of age. 
 
Raulerson was booked into the Polk County Jail on the aforementioned charges and is being held on no bond until a first appearance hearing.
“Ezra Raulerson’s conduct is the worst of the worst – he violated innocent children who depend on adults for their safe care. It sickens us to know that three innocent and precious children were taken advantage of by someone they trusted. He belongs behind bars for the rest of his life.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff 

Two 14-Year-Olds Arrested for Armed Robbery

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Two 14-year-olds arrested for armed robbery

Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested 14-year-old Jonathan Hall of Lakeland and 14-year-old Zachary Tillery of Lakeland for an armed robbery that occurred Tuesday at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Jungle Street in Lakeland. Through interviews with victims, suspects, and witnesses and the collection of evidence, detectives determined that Hall went to Tillery’s residence Tuesday morning and stole two handguns (from Tillery’s father) and told Tillery he wanted to “hit a lick” (rob someone).

They drove Tillery’s father’s 2006 gray Honda to an address on Jungle Street, picked up a 22-year-old Lakeland man (Isaac Rose) and then Hall pointed a handgun at him and demanded money and drugs or he would kill him. Rose struggled with Hall and during the struggle the gun fired at least once, shooting into the car seat. Rose told deputies that at some point Tillery also pulled out a handgun and Rose grabbed at it then jumped out of the Honda to escape.


Sometime during the Robbery, the Honda reversed into a tree, causing extensive damage. Deputies later found the Honda on Timber Path in Lakeland. Tillery was located nearby and Hall was located a short time later.

The following are excerpts from the affidavit and are self-explanatory:

“Hall spontaneously stated, How am I supposed to get money, rob my parents?” Hall provided a sworn taped statement in which he advised he went to the victim’s residence to have a drug talk.’ Hall stated while he and the victim were in the vehicle, the victim sucker punched’ him because he did not want to buy any drugs. Hall stated while he momentarily fought with the victim, the center console opened up and he observed a pistol. Hall stated he grabbed the pistol and pointed it at the victim, and told him to get out of the car. Hall advised after they drove down the road, he struggled with the victim over the pistol and accidentally fired the gun into the seat. Hall stated he then told Tillery to get his gun. Hall advised the victim then grabbed Tillery’s hand in which Tillery was holding a gun. Hall advised the victim then took both guns and ran away.”

“Tillery admitted while he and Hall were at Tillery’s residence, Hall kicked Tillery’s father’s bedroom door in and came out with two of his father’s firearms. Tillery stated he told Hall he was not allowed in his father’s room. Tillery advised Hall asked him to drive him to a place where he was going to hit a lick.’ Tillery advised while he was in the parking lot of the victim’s apartment building, he saw Hall point the gun at the victim and demanded money and marijuana. Tillery advised he drove down the road where Hall and the victim were struggling over the gun. Tillery advised he then grabbed the gun Hall and the victim were struggling over at which time the gun fired off into the seat. The victim then fled out of the vehicle.”

Hall was arrested and booked into the Juvenile Assessment Center and charged with Robbery w/firearm, armed burglary of a dwelling, possession of firearm by delinquent, grand theft of firearm, violation of probation (all felonies). He has previous criminal history of drug and drug paraphernalia possession and three probation violations. Tillery was arrested and booked into the Juvenile Assessment Center and charged with Robbery w/firearm, possession of firearm by delinquent, grand theft of firearm, and violation of probation (all felonies). Tillery’s previous charges include battery, grand theft (2), burglary (2), criminal mischief, petit theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Isaac Rose (the victim) has a lengthy criminal history including 11 felonies, 21 misdemeanors, and one state prison incarceration.

“These juveniles are already known to the criminal justice system & they desperately need to be held accountable for their criminal exploits before they end up killing someone. Let’s hope this time they are kept separate from the community, punished, and provided tough, no-nonsense & non-coddling rehabilitation that will help them turn their lives around. Hopefully, it’s not too late.” Grady Judd, Sheriff

Student Found With Handgun at Southwest Middle School

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Student Found With Handgun at Southwest Middle School
LAKELAND, FL –  On March 29th, at approximately 11:40 A.M,  the School Resource Officer at Southwest Middle School was contacted by Tye P. Bruno, Principal at Southwest Middle School located at 2815 Eden Parkway in reference to a possible weapon on the campus.
Bruno stated that a student on his campus, identified as Lil’Romeo A. Smith  was in possession of two (2) black handguns in a social media forum (Snapchat) in which he threatened a student from another school. Bruno provided a photo of Smith holding a black handgun with a second handgun resting on his lap.
Smith was observed on a surveillance camera walking into a teacher’s class which was empty at the time, wearing a backpack. He is then seen leaving the same room without the backpack.  Bruno then located the backpack behind a desk in the classroom.  A black handgun was discovered inside the backpack. The gun magazine was not in the handgun but was inside the backpack. The magazine contained 12 rounds.
The handgun a, 9mm, semi-automatic, was stolen on March 24, 2017 within the city limits of Lakeland
Smith was interviewed by a detective and admitted to being in possession of the backpack with the handgun inside and hiding it behind a desk because he did not want anyone to see it.
Smith was placed into custody and charged with Possession of Firearm on School Grounds and Unlawful Carry of a Firearm. He was later transported to the Polk County Juvenile Assessment Center
Smith is currently on Felony probation.
Arrested: Lil’Romeo A, Smith, 14 years old, from Lakeland, Fla.

Lakeland Attorney Arrested for DUI

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Deputies arrest Lakeland attorney for DUI
On Wednesday, March 29, 2017, deputies arrested 49-year-old Jeffrey Appel of Lakeland for one count DUI and one count DUI with property damage.
Below is an excerpt from the affidavit and it is self-explanatory. Appel was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail, and is being held on a $750.00 bond.
“On the above date and time, I responded to 625 Commerce Drive to assist D/S Vaughn (7217) on a traffic crash where the driver of one vehicle was reported to be possibly impaired. Upon arrival, I observed that there was a maroon Chevy Silverado stopped at the entrance to 625 Commerce Drive. I observed that the front half of the truck was in the westbound lane on Commerce Drive and the back half was still in the parking lot. I observed that there was a white male sitting in the driver seat of the truck slouched over onto the center console.

I made contact with D/S Vaughn who advised me that the subject in the truck was identified as Jeffrey Appel via Florida driver license. D/S Vaughn advised that Jeffrey appeared extremely intoxicated.


I made contact with Jeffrey Appel who was seated in the driver seat of his truck. I asked Jeffrey if he was ok and he said that he was. I asked if he was injured and he said no. I asked if he had any medical condition, to include diabetes and epilepsy, and he said no. I asked if he had any physical limitations and he said he was ok. I explained to Jeffrey that D/S Vaughn was conducting the traffic crash investigation and I was conducting a criminal investigation for DUI. I asked Jeffrey if he understood and he said he was ok. As I was talking to Jeffrey, he started getting out of the truck mumbling something. I stepped back and observed that Jeffrey appeared extremely lethargic and uncoordinated. Jeffrey used the door to support himself as he exited the truck. I had to put my hand up to prevent him from falling and kept my hand on his back as he tried to walk to the back door of his truck. Jeffrey opened the back door and slowly climbed into the back seat and sat down. When Jeffrey opened the back door, I observed that there were four (4) empty 12 oz Coors Light beer cans in the back door panel. I observed that there was one (1) empty 12 oz Coors Light beer can on the back left passenger floor board and an empty 12 pack of Coors Light cans on the right rear passenger floor board.


I asked Jeffrey to exit the truck and submit to field sobriety, he said he was ok. I again asked Jeffrey if he could step out of the truck and he complied. I observed that Jeffrey again exited the truck extremely slow and uncoordinated using the door for support. I observed that Jeffrey fell back into his truck as he attempted to step towards me (away from the truck). I observed that Jeffrey swayed back and forth (front to back and side to side) as he stood in front of me. I observed that he would lose his balance and take a step to keep from falling. I attempted to have Jeffery comply with the HGN test but stopped as he was unable to maintain balance and unable to follow stimulus.


Based upon my training and experience, I determined the Jeffrey Appel was unable to operate a motor vehicle safely.


I arrested Jeffrey Appel for DUI and transported him to the Polk County Jail without incident. Upon arrival at the jail, I began my 20 minute observation period at approximately 1458 hours. While I was conducting my 20 minute observation period, Jeffrey was being processed by booking staff. When Jeffrey was asked to take his shoes off, he bent over to comply and lost his balance resulting in him falling to the ground.  At the end of the 20-minute observation period, I asked Jeffrey to submit to a lawful test of his breath and he stated that “nah”. At approximately 1524 hours, I read Jeffrey Implied Consent. Jeffrey stated and as I was asking question 3 for Implied Consent, Jeffrey interrupted me and said that he would comply with the breath test.


I escorted Jeffrey into the Breath Test Room and had him sit in the chair next to the instrument. When it was time to provide the first sample, Jeffrey blew for a few seconds providing the proper tone and then stopped. I explained to him that he needed to keep a consistent air stream to provide a proper sample. Jeffrey continued to provide a proper sample for a few seconds and would then stop but acted like he was still blowing. I would pull the mouthpiece out of his mouth and there would be no sound of air coming out of his mouth. The time for the first sample expired and I explained that if he failed to provide a proper breath sample it would constitute a refusal; Jeffrey stated that he did not want to continue with the breath test. I informed Jeffrey that we were going to sit there until the time expired for the second sample in case he decided to provide a breath sample. Jeffrey did not provide a second sample and did not provide any proper breath samples.


Due to the extreme signs of impairment, the jail nurse advised me that Jeffrey needed to be medically cleared prior to being accepted by the jail. I transported Jeffrey to Bartow Regional Medical Center for medical clearance.


I was advised by Dr. James Smith (BRMC ER) that the toxicology report showed Jeffrey Appel to have a BAC of 0.398 g/100mL of blood.”

Sun ‘N Fun Expo Opens Tuesday, April 4

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Sun ‘N Fun Expo Opens Tuesday, April 4


LAKELAND – The 43rd Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly- In & Expo begins Tuesday, April 4.

The six-day fly-in is SUN ‘n FUN’s largest fundraiser for the Aerospace Center for Excellence, a 25-acre, 11 building campus dedicated to aerospace and STEM education.

Approximately 200,000 guests, exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors and performers are expected to attend. Proceeds from the event support numerous community activities in addition to ACE. SUN ‘n FUN would love to welcome our French Allies on Tuesday April 4, as the French National Team, Patrouille de France, performs during the airshow. The team is thanking the United States for our participation during World War I.

The day will also honor America’s participation as we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of America entering the air war in Europe, and the 70th Anniversary of the US Air Force. The world-renowned Blue Angels will also return to the SUN ‘n FUN stage. The team will perform Friday through Sunday. Art Nalls will bring the only civilian Harrier on the airshow circuit in for the weekend, April 7 through 9.

The event is located at  SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland.

For more information visit http://www.flysnf.org

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