THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED TORNADO WATCH  IN EFFECT FROM 11PM  UNTIL 9 AM EDT MONDAY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN FLORIDA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 10 COUNTIES

IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

CHARLOTTE LEE

IN WEST CENTRAL FLORIDA

DESOTO HARDEE HIGHLANDS HILLSBOROUGH MANATEE PINELLAS POLK SARASOTA

Polk County Shelters

                  Polk County does NOT plan to open shelters at this time.

Polk County Schools Cancelled

The threat of Tropical Storm weather in Polk County, which could include sustainable high winds and tornadoes, has prompted the Polk County School Board to cancel schools for Monday August 27 including all school activities and closing district offices. This weather threat could severely affect the safety of bus riders and students who take classes in portable classrooms. For more information on school closures, visit their website http://www.polk-fl.net/.

Lake Wales Charter Schools - Closed

Candlelight Christian Academy – Closed

Lake Wales Little Theater – Cancelling Practice

Lake Wales Lutheran Day Care – Closed

Brigham Academy Bartow (Part of Polk County School System) – Closed

Lake Wales YMCA - Open for all activity at this time

Studio 6 Academy of Dance – Cancelled Opening Dance Monday

Other Schools

Polk State College – Cancelled

Southeastern University – Cancelled

Florida Southern College – Now Cancelled

Fortis Institute – Cancelled

USF Poly – Now Cancelled

Keiser University – Open

Warner College – Open

Webber Int. Uni – Unknown

County Solid Waste Pick-up

Solid waste pick-up will continue as normal for Monday and throughout the week for those serviced by the county.

County Offices – OPEN

All Polk County government offices under the Board of County Commissioners, including constitutionals, will be open to the public for regular business hours tomorrow, Monday, August 27.

All Polk County employees should report for their regularly scheduled shifts at their normal workplaces.

Polk County Citizen’s Information Line

The Polk County Citizen’s Information Line also remains open to answer storm related questions. Further updates will be provided as conditions change. The Citizen’s Information Line can be reached at 863-401-2234 (locally) or toll-free 866-661-0228. The line will remain open 24 hours a day through Monday afternoon.
Storm Related Information in the Event of Power Loss

Local Polk County website DailyRidge.Com – radio stations WPCV 97.5 FM, WWRZ 98.3 FM, WONN 1230 AM and WLKF 1430 AM will be broadcasting up to date news on Tropical Storm Isaac.

For the most updated information, please continue to monitor your local news media or call the Citizen’s Information Line at 863-401-2234 (locally) or toll-free 866-661-0228.  Information is also available onPGTV (Bright House 622, Comcast 5 or Verizon 20), or check the county website for updates www.polk-county.net. You may also obtain further emergency information at http://www.facebook.com/polkcountyem and http://www.twitter.com/polkemergency.

Polk  County - Florida - Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrest 89 suspects during on-line prostitution investigation – Arrests include the Kathleen High School principal (Cecil Edward McClellan), three women who traveled to the area to make money in “adult entertainment” during the RNC, a local Winter Haven businessman, and an Orlando man who traveled to Polk County with the intent of having sex with a childSheriff Grady Judd will provide details of the operation at 2:00 today, Friday, August 31, 2012,

Deadly Accident on Hwy 98 (Click Photo To Enlarge)

Frostproof, Florida – On Thursday, September 6, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic Homicide deputies issued an arrest warrant for 34-year-old Gino Tutera of 4705 Josselin Place in Parrish, charging him with two counts Vehicular Homicide (F-2) in a traffic fatality that resulted in the deaths of two people in Frostproof on March 21, 2012.

According to the affidavit, around 3:37 p.m. that day, Tutera was heading eastbound on U.S. 98 east of Avon Park Cut-off Road when he crossed over the double yellow line and entered into the westbound lanes, colliding with a Ford Focus occupied by 73-year-old Bobbie Herring (male) and 60-year-old Karen Holmes (female). The collision resulted in the two victims’ deaths, and serious injury to Tutera.

The investigation revealed that Tutera was exceeding the speed limit by 20 MPH when he struck the victims — he was traveling 80 MPH in a 60 MPH zone. This was a violation of Florida State Statute (FSS) 316.187 “Unlawful Speed.” His illegal crossing over into the westbound lane was a violation of FSS 316.087. Tutera also sent or received 51 text messages and received two phone calls from the time he left his house at 2:25 p.m. until the time of the crash. This was a violation of FSS 316.192 “Reckless Driving.”

As a result of Tutera’s actions and aforementioned violations, which resulted in the untimely death of both victims, he was also found in violation of FSS 782.071 “Vehicular Homicide,” which states in part, “the killing of a human being caused by the operation of a motor vehicle by another in a reckless manner likely to cause the death of another.”

Tutera who was listed as an MMA fighter at the time had a 3-1 record and last fought on September 10, 2011.

Original Article: Deadly Crash Near Ft. Meade

Delaney, Destiny & Dawn Ennslin were all involved in a deadly crash Monday, September 17, 2012. ( facebook photos)

Homeland, Florida – At 4:36 p.m. yesterday afternoon, Monday, September 17, 2012, Polk County EMS received a call in reference to a multi-vehicle crash in Homeland. The first EMS unit on-scene arrived within eight minutes. Two other Polk County ambulances, the Bartow Fire Dept, the Fort Meade Fire Dept, PCSO Patrol and Traffic deputies, and Aeromed all responded to the crash.

A white 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt reportedly being driven by 14-year-old Destiny Ensslin of Fort Meade was heading northbound on US 17 in Homeland (between Bartow and Fort Meade) when, for unknown reasons, she turned westbound onto CR 640 into the path of a silver 2005 Dodge Caravan being driven southbound on US 17 by 77-year-old Doris Foust of Fort Meade.

The collision caused the Dodge caravan to roll and land on its driver’s side. Doris and her front seat passenger, her husband 80-year-old Richard Foust, were transported by ambulance to Bartow Regional Medical Center with minor injuries. They are expected to make a full recovery.

The two cars, after the collision, then impacted a red 2001 Toyota Corolla that was attempting to make a turn from CR 640 southbound onto US 17, being driven by 56-year-old Martha Criswell of Fort Meade. She was driven by car to Bartow Regional Medical Center for minor injuries. She is expected to make a full recovery.

The driver of the Chevy Cobalt, Destiny Ensslin, was airlifted to LRMC with critical injuries and is in stable but critical condition. Her front seat passenger, her 42-year-old mother Dawn Ensslin, was taken to Bartow Regional Medical Center with extremely critical injuries, and she was declared deceased at the hospital. Her rear seat passenger, her 8-year-old sister Delaney Ensslin, was declared deceased on scene.

“Unfortunately, a 14-year-old unlicensed teenager was driving a car and turned left on a green light into the path of another car, which subsequently resulted in the deaths of her mother and her sister. This is a tragic situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Ensslin family.” – Sheriff Grady Judd

Delaney, Destiny & Dawn Ennslin were all involved in a deadly crash Monday, September 17, 2012. ( facebook photos)

“On behalf of the family of Dawn and Delaney Ensslin, our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who were involved in this tragic accident. We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of support from the community. We ask that you please respect our privacy now as we mourn the untimely loss of our loved ones.” – Jack Jerkins, older brother of Dawn Ensslin

Were not sure exactly why Jack Jerkins made this plea, but it could be for several reasons. This story has captured the entire Central Florida region and it is presumed every news organization is trying to interview the family. It also could be because of the circumstances of the accident itself. Apparently Destiny Ensslin, 14, was driving. Being an unlicensed driver has created quite a stir in the community. Critiques on social media have been very vocal about their opinions and some of them are extremely ugly.

In any case this family is hurting and needs love and prayers, not condemnation.

Ft. Meade, Florida – Polk County Sheriff’s Traffic Deputies are investigating a traffic fatality that occurred last night, Thursday, November 1, 2012, involving a car and a pedestrian.

Around 7:35 p.m. that evening, 50-year-old Robert Lewis Smith (DOB 9/9/1962) of 701 South Hendry Street in Fort Meade was walking from his house to meet family in the area, when he walked west across U.S. 17, just south of MLK Street. Smith walked into the path of a northbound 2004 gold Honda Civic, being driven by 19-year-old Caitlyn Marie Knapp (DOB 7/12/1993), who is a student living on campus at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.

Knapp was unable to avoid hitting Smith, and he was thrown and landed in the paved median. Knapp immediately stopped and attempted to render aid. Smith was declared deceased on scene. Knapp did not suffer any injuries.

Impairment on the part of the driver does not appear to be a factor. Smith was dressed in dark clothing, crossing the highway in an area where there was no crosswalk and in between streetlamps. No charges are pending. The investigation is ongoing.

Persons of Interest

Polk County, Florida – Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is advising residents that devices known as “skimmers” have recently been found in the Bartow, Mulberry, and Haines City areas.

PCSO and the Bartow Police Department are currently investigating fraud complaints related to skimming devices that were placed on two Publix ATM’s (one in Bartow, one in Mulberry), and two Mid-Florida Credit Union ATM’s (one in Bartow, one in Haines City).
Skimmers are device readers that criminals put on ATM’s or other card readers (such as on gas pumps) that customers use to swipe their debit or credit cards. A trained eye can detect if a skimmer has been placed on such a device.

Skimmers are almost always accompanied by tiny cameras that record the customer entering his/her PIN number after swiping the card. Law enforcement agencies work hand-in-hand with business owners to examine their card readers and see if skimmers have been placed within them. A well-trained eye or physical inspection of the device is key to locating a skimmer.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first time, nor the last time, that we will see this trend in our county. Criminals are placing these skimmers on ATM’s all across the state. Our best resource for catching criminals like these is you – the public. We need your eyes and ears. Let us know if you see anything suspicious on a card reader or an ATM, or if you recognize the suspect seen here. Together, we can stop this crime trend.” – Sheriff Grady Judd

The persons of interest seen here in the attached photos were captured on video surveillance possibly placing skimmers on the aforementioned ATM’s.

If you can identify these persons of interest you are urged to contact the Bartow Police Department, PCSO, or Heartland Crime Stoppers.

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION WHO WANTS TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS AND BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CASH REWARD IS ASKED TO CALL 1-800-226-TIPS or LOG ONTO www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com . ANONYMITY IS GUARANTEED! iPhone and Droid users can download a free tip submit app to anonymously report crime. To install these free apps, please visit www.tipsoft.com.

Ft. Meade, Florida – t approximately 6:30 am, on Friday, February 22, 2013, 54-year-old Linda Cipriano, DOB 05/02/1958, Five Iron Drive, Mulberry, was driving her 1999 silver, four-door Volkswagen east on County Road 630.

As she approached the intersection at Peeples Road, 65-year-old Cecil K. Keen, DOB 10/26/1947, Edgewood Drive, N., Fort Meade, operating a red Toyota pickup truck, hauling a boat and trailer, attempted to turn from westbound CR 630 onto southbound Peeples Road and into the path of the Cipriano’s Volkswagen.

The left front the Toyota pickup struck the left side of the Volkswagen causing the Volkswagen to spin into a ditch on the south side of CR 630. The Toyota pickup came to rest across all lanes of CR 630. Subsequently, the Toyota was then struck on the right side by a 1997 blue, Saturn, driven by Bennie C. Keisling, DOB 02/08/1957, Liberty Trail, Frostproof, who was traveling eastbound on CR 630.

Cipriano was removed from her vehicle by witnesses, but was pronounced deceased by Medics upon their arrival. No other parties involved suffered any injuries. All vehicle occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash to include Cipriano.

Impairment does not appear to be a factor in this crash and no criminal charges are currently anticipated.

At the time of the crash, visibility was low as a result of fog.

**** Tornado Watch Has Been Cancelled In Polk County ****

Polk County, Florida – The Polk County Emergency Management and The United States National Weather Service has put Polk County and other counties on notice that a tornado watch is in effect. DailyRidge.Com will keep it’s readers posted via social media if any funnels do appear in Polk County.

Lake Wales, Florida -

At approximately 6:00 am, on Monday, July 15, 2013, a blue 2014 Freightliner semi with trailer, driven by 51-year-old Ken Kessler, Railroad Street, Highland Michigan, and an apprentice driver, had just concluded one of their mandatory resting periods inside the semi behind the CITGO gas station at US Hwy 27 (SR 25) and Penny Loop, Lake Wales.

The semi is the property of Werner Enterprises and was loaded with computer equipment.

Kessler began to pull out from the north entrance of the CITGO gas station, cross over the northbound lanes of US Hwy 27, enter the paved median break, and then proceed southbound on US Hwy 27 to proceed to Miami.

At the same time, 33-year-old John Glynn Bourn of Fort Meade, was travelling to work in the outside, northbound lane on US Hwy 27 in a maroon 2001 GMC Sierra pickup.

Bourn crashed into the semi-trailer in the direct center of the trailer as it crossed over both northbound lanes of US Hwy 27. Because the semi was fully loaded and in motion at the time of impact, it carried the pickup to the west, eventually having it come to rest between the inside travel lane and the paved median break.

Shortly after impact, 61-year-old Emily S. Mills, Lake Buffum Road, Lake Wales, driving a white 2010 Hyundai Elantra, came across the crash scene and was able to stop in the outside northbound lane without impacting either vehicle.

Approximately three minutes later, 75-year-old Elizabeth A. Levy, driving a 2001 Mercury Sable, who was also in the outside lane, impacted the rear of the Elantra sending it into the side/ rear of the trailer.

Bourn was killed upon impact with the trailer.

John Bourn, was a father of 3, a 5 year old, 7 year old, and a 10 year old. He was a little league coach in Frostproof. He reportedly worked for Duke Energy.

No other injuries were reported.

The investigation is ongoing.

In cooperation with Polk County Animal Control:

These animals are available at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control located at 7115 de Castro Road Winter Haven, Fl. 33880
Kennel Adoption hours are Monday – Saturday 10am to 4pm.
Phone: 863-499-2600

Cats are $40.00
Puppies and Kittens under 6 months are $40.00
Dogs are $70.00
The adoption price includes vaccinations, rabies license tag, dewormer, microchip, and spay or neuter.

1. Choco Chip – “I whip my tail back and forth, I whip my tail back and forth…I need some kids to sing with me! ….I whip my tail back and forth”

2. Robin – Hi, my name is “Robin”, but I don’t wear a hood cause my face is just to cute to cover!!!! I love to play ball not shoot arrows!

3. Annie – “Tomorrow, tomorrow! They say I howl, but I am really singing….Tomorrow, tomorrow…I need someone to adopt me…tomorrow.

4. Norris – I love to lounge on a lap. So if you could be so kind as to provide one, we could get this party started.

5. Sean Connory – Don’t you know white goes with anything!! If I get any more good looking, I am going to start cloning myself! Can I get a “Meeooww”.

6. Squirt – I might be wearing a tuxedo..but I am all girl, people ! My playful personality lets everyone know girls rule!

Ft. Meade, Florida – Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide deputies were conducting a fatal crash investigation on Highway 17 S near Highway 640 in the Homeland area.

At approximately 5:50 pm, on Monday, October 21, 2013, an Oakley semi tractor-trailer, traveling south on Highway 17, was stopped at the traffic light at Highway 640, when the truck was rear-ended by a small, white 2-door car. The driver of that truck, Natalie Ann Lorene Lacey Florance of Mulberry was not injured.

The driver of the car, who has now been identified as Brian Staton of Wachula, was the only occupant of the car. Staton was transported to Bartow Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

The investigation is ongoing.

Polk County animal controls annual Pet Fest is right around the corner!
Dec 7th 10am to 4pm
Polk County Animal Control Shelter
7115 De Castro Road
Winter Haven, Florida
Lots of fun activities, pet care clinics and special demonstrations.

Download the full flyer here.

PCSO Apprehend Truck Theft Suspect

Ft. Meade, Florida – According to reader reports over a dozen  of Polk County Sheriff’s Deputies descended on a suspect, this afternoon,  in Ft. Meade. The initial reader reports were a dozen sheriff’s cars, helicopter and PCSO SWAT were in the area of Brook Rd. and Lake Hendry Rd.  According to Polk County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer, Carrie Eleazer, the suspect was wanted in connection with the theft of a truck from Copeland Services. The suspect was thought to be armed and dangerous. According to Eleazer the PCSO set up a perimeter and eventually the suspect was apprehended about 2:45pm. The location of the arrest, suspect name and charges have not yet been released as facts are still being gathered.

We will update this story as soon as more information is gathered.

Winter Haven, Florida – Legoland in Winter Haven, Florida is hosting a job fair, tomorrow May 13, to hire about 300 people to handle rides, retail sales and food sales.

The job fair is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday at the student center at Polk State College’s Winter Haven campus in the Student Center BLDG WST 126,127!

Duke Energy Fort Meade facility fire

Bartow, Fla. (July 7, 2014) – Polk County Fire Rescue personnel along with fire/rescue crews from Hardee County, Fort Meade and Bartow responded to a reported explosion and fire at the Duke Energy Hines Energy Complex in Fort Meade Monday afternoon.
At 3 p.m., crews were dispatched to the facility located at 7700 County Road 555 in Fort Meade where it was reported that an explosion occurred at the facility causing a fire. There were 26 personnel members from the four firefighting agencies on scene.
There were no injuries and all Duke Energy employees were accounted for.
It was reported that there were high pressure steam lines and a 5,000-gallon lube oil tank near the location of the fire, but crews were able to secure both to prevent any further danger.

Haines City Woman Dies Crashing Into Ft. Meade Home

Ft. Meade, Florida – At approximately 4:10 pm, on Sunday, August 17, 2014, a 2013 white, Ford Focus, operated by an adult white female, was traveling southbound on US 17 (Charleston Ave. South) passing 7th Street SW, Ft. Meade.

For unknown reasons at this time, the Focus left the right (west) side of the roadway in the area of 710 Charleston Avenue and continued parallel along Charleston Avenue about 15 feet west of the roadway, driving between the power poles and residences along the roadway.

After crossing 8th Street SW, the Focus struck the front stoop of a residence and was redirected southwest across Charleston Avenue coming to final rest on the east shoulder of the roadway, south of 8th Street SE, after striking a wire fence. The Focus travelled a total distance of approximately 700 feet from the point it left the roadway until it struck the fence.

Witnesses who came to the aid of the female victim, 48-year-old Heather LeAnn McIntyre, DOB 07/22/1968, Paradise Island, Haines City, advised she was unresponsive and locked inside her vehicle. A vehicle window was broken to gain entry in order to render aid to the McIntyre.

Upon extracting her, CPR was immediately started. A Polk County Sheriff’s Office Fort Meade unit also arrived and requested Fire and Medic units. Fort Meade Fire and Polk County Medics responded and transported the victim to Bartow Regional Medical Center where she was subsequently pronounced deceased.

Based on the driving pattern, minimal vehicle damage, and no observable injuries, it is believed the victim suffered some type of medical event while driving.

Speed, impairment, and distraction do not appear to be factors at this time. The airbags in the Focus did not deploy and it is unknown if the victim was wearing her seat belted at the time of the crash. Charleston Ave. remained open during the investigation and was reduced to one lane southbound for approximately 3 hours.