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Wednesday, February 3, 2021 www.fourcornersnewsleader.com An Edition of the Sun

IN BRIEF INSIDE Northeast Polk Chamber Awards Banquet winners The Northeast Polk Chamber of Commerce held its 42nd Annual Awards Banquet last week on Thursday, Jan. 28, at the Lake Eva Event Center in Haines City. This year, the Chamber recognized two Large Businesses of the Year: Balmoral Resort/ Feltrim Development and Sonny’s BBQ. The Small Business of the Year was Compassionate Hearts United Foundation. ‘Four Corners, The Citizen of the Year was Stacy Vandiver One Vision’ Stokes. trademarked by Hall of Fame inductees include: Ann Barnhart, Wayne Thomas Fellows, Anthony council Gordon, Chris Long, Steven Shealey and Page 2 Horace West.

Flooring is your local flooring company providing professionalFire installation captain, services, EMT as well as flooring and wall application products. Free measurementsarrested andrelated estimates; to free carpet removal & disposal; free standard furniture removal & replacement; as Victoria Ross, an artist and graduate student at Warner University, alongside some of her work which will be vaccine theft featured in a month-long art show at the Haines City Public Library. PHOTO PROVIDED “We only love surprises on family holidays, not when Page making 5 purchases; we Haines City artist to be featured in Polk School Frank Hollinger Family Flooring offers the following services:District names ‘Soulful Beauty’ art show Teacher of the Year By ANITA TODD choose a color or plan a painting an art show titled: “Soulful Beauty: Page 7 School district further Digital Hearing Lab is located at 290 CitrusContributing Tower Writer Blvd Ste. 105. Calluntil us she feels it in her spirit. Her Power Beyond Control.” limits attendance at at 352-988-0274 for a complimentaryOver the past year or so, explains The show will be on display Girls basketball sporting events For artist Victoria Ross, her first the Haines City resident, God has Feb. 1 - Feb. 26 at the Haines City teams ready time I’ve called you” is one of the first ways exclusive offers on hearing products.guided Visit her to create a collection Public Library, in honor of Black Polk County Public Schools staff announced step is to hear from the Lord — she Our office is located at 16201 Hwy 50, forClermont, district 407.654.4503. www. Wednesday, Jan. 27, that the school district says she doesn’t pick up a brush, of works that will be on display in ARTIST | 4 will limit attendance at athletic events for the tournaments remainder of the 2020-21 school year in an Page 8 effort to help slow the spread of coronavirus. City of Davenport requests to purchase water from “The pandemic continues to pose a very serious health risk,” Dan Talbot, the school Polk Regional Water Cooperative district’s senior coordinator of athletics, explained. “At this time, it’s the right call to By CHARLES A. BAKER III City staff mailed their official that city staff secure an alternative reduce attendance at our athletics events to [email protected] request to PRWC staff Jan. 6. The source of water by 2025. Experts help protect our students, staff and spectators.” letter included a request for a throughout Central Florida are Attendance at athletic events was already The City of Davenport may response within 90 days. looking for ways to account for capped at 50 percent. Beginning Feb. 1 and for the remainder of the school year, attendance is become the first city in the county In October, state regulators the region’s rapid growth and its Food tour startup to purchase water from the Polk renewed the Davenport municipal impact on the Upper Floridan launches in Polk ATTENDANCE | 2 Regional Water Cooperative. water use permit on the condition DAVENPORT | 4 Page 16 Offering Tele-Conference Visits Call our office for details Kashan Khan MD A portion of all proceeds for the month of October will go to theFAMILY American PRACTICECancer Society Now Accepting New Patients Including MEDICAID We have moved! 2400 North Blvd. West, Davenport, FL 33837 Dr. Kashan Khan M.D. 863.422.1890 $1 PER MINUTEAdmits Own Patients BOARD CERTIFIED '".*-:
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Page 2 FOUR CORNERS NEWS-SUN February 3, 2021 Just in time for Valentine’s Day! GFWC Four Corners Junior Woman’s Club invites everyone to participate in its online fundraising auction: “A Passion for Purses.” The auction began Jan. 30 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. Since the Club is unable to hold its annual fashion show and luncheon, which is its major fundraising event, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the ladies decided to try another method of financing charitable giving for the Four Corners area of Central Florida. Pictured is Shelley Haberkorn with several FOUR CORNERS AREA COUNCIL PHOTO of the 74 purses donated! Register at: https://charityauction.bid/ ‘Four Corners, One Vision’ trademarked GFWCAPassionforPursesJan2021. by Four Corners Area Council Submitted PHOTO PROVIDED Last week, the Four Corners Area Council Pictured, Kissimmee/Osceola County announced that it had received a Certificate Chamber President John Newstreet poses of Registration for its “Four Corners, One with 2019-2020 Four Corners Area Council AdventHealth physician: COVID-19 Vision” initiative from the U.S. Patent and Chairwoman Allison Beeman. Trademark Office. Visit onevisionfourcorners.com to learn hospitalizations may be levelling off “We are thrilled with how this initiative has more about the Four Corners, One Vision progressed over the last several years,” read initiative. The number of people hospitalized with the announcement, which was posted to the COVID-19 in AdventHealth’s Central Florida organization’s Facebook page (facebook.com/ Staff report Division has dropped slightly, described as a FourCornersAreaCouncil). “plateau” in the most recent surge, said Dr. Rebecca Gomez, a hospitalist and the chair of the internal at 25 percent. The actual number of spectators allowed medicine department at AdventHealth Orlando. ATTENDANCE will vary depending on the facility. “We’re about plateauing — maybe starting to see FROM PAGE 1 ■ At tennis events that take place at community a drop in that curve we were on from the winter tennis courts, capacity will be restricted to ensure social surge,” Gomez said Jan. 28 during the AdventHealth further reduced depending on venue. distancing. The actual number of spectators allowed Morning Briefing. “We’re discharging as many Talbot said that schools are already taking steps to will vary depending on the facility. patients as are coming in.” ensure family members are able to attend their student- Each individual school will be responsible for Gomez discussed her experience caring for Dr. Rebecca Gomez, pictured, said Jan. 28 that athlete’s games, even under the current 50-percent developing procedures to ensure that attendance at many COVID-19 patients during the past 11 cap. Schools will continue those efforts under the new months and the speed at which treatments evolved AdventHealth facilities are discharging as their athletic events meets the updated capacity limits. many patients as are coming. ADVENTHEALTH capacity protocols. Face coverings have been mandatory at athletic events as learning emerged about the new virus. She noted VIDEO “We know how important athletics are to our since the beginning of the school year — and this the effectiveness of “proning” patients, or laying students and their families. Our athletic directors are remains a requirement. them on their stomachs for as long as they can when more appointments are available at www. working incredibly hard to make sure families can Per the release, PCPS staff continue to closely remain comfortable to help open their lungs, as CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com. Vaccines are not attend the games,” Talbot said. monitor the pandemic and constantly evaluate the well as steroids and other treatments. currently available at any AdventHealth hospital, The new capacity protocols are as follows: health and safety procedures in place within its athletic She emphasized that the vaccine is key to ending AdventHealth Centra Care or AdventHealth ■ Capacity at indoor events in school gymnasiums programs. the pandemic, but the community must continue to Medical Group office. will be capped at 25 percent, or approximately 300 “As the pandemic and the school year continue, it wear masks, practice social distancing and continue The Jan. 28 briefing can be viewed at https:// spectators. may be necessary to make further adjustments to our frequent handwashing to help bring down the vimeo.com/505654163#t. ■ Capacity at baseball and softball games will also be athletic programs,” Talbot said. “The first priority is number of infections. capped at 25 percent, or approximately 200 spectators. always health and safety.” Those interested can sign up for alerts to learn Submitted ■ Capacity at track and lacrosse events will be capped

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Page 4 FOUR CORNERS NEWS-SUN February 3, 2021 ARTIST De’ja — is being featured as a part of the show. He directs my path and He will direct yours.” De’ja, who was born with Asperger’s Syndrome, a condition Victoria is currently seeking her MBA at Warner University FROM PAGE 1 on the autism spectrum, started pencil drawings of cartoon and says she loves Zumba and cooking in her free time. History Month. characters when she was just 5-years-old. Sensing her natural “I feel blessed because, through my art, I’m able to share my “The soulful comes from being Black and the beauty talent, Victoria encouraged her daughter’s abilities. They desire for everyone to have peace and joy,” she said. represents all women,” Ross said. “As women we take that for worked together to create some of the pieces in the show. Jane Waters, the Community Redevelopment Agency Project granted. We should be thankful we are women … that we are Victoria said that she’d give new and up-and-coming artists Manager for the City of Haines City said, “I love to feature beautiful.” the same advice that she adheres to before she begins to work strong women when possible and Victoria’s passion and drive Victoria and her husband, Victor, have a blended family of with the acrylic paints. is only matched by love and heart for her family.” seven children who are all talented artists in their own right. “I seek God first. He leads me and guides me,” she said. “It’s A reception for the show will be held Feb. 11 from 5:30 - 7:30 However, only one of the children — their 12-year old daughter, all God’s plan and I think you can really see that in the work. p.m. in the Haines City Public Library lobby.

DAVENPORT GOT A NEWS TIP? FROM PAGE 1 Send any tips or story ideas to Aquifer, where much of the region’s water comes from. Executive Editor Steven Ryzewski “There are going to be some key decisions at [email protected]. that will need to be made over the next six months,” said John Fumero, a mediator hired to help come up with a solution to the problem for Polk County. DIAMOND CENTER Jewelers of Clermont The PRWC board will likely vote on whether it is ready to sell water to the City of Davenport at its next meeting on March 17. Right now there is no water infrastructure in Family Owned & Operated “Since 1945” Jewelry Appraisals place to meet that need. Something will need to Celebrating 76 Years be built to get more water to Davenport and the PRWC board has yet to decide what to build. Diamonds for Your Valentine If the board decides that it is ready to move forward on a project, PRWC staff could start The City of Davenport mailed Polk Regional Water Cooperative Executive Director Ryan Taylor a letter Jan. 6 requesting to purchase water from the applying for state matching funds this fiscal cooperative. Ryan, pictured, spoke during a Polk County Delegation workshop year. If the PRWC board votes no, that it is not at Polk State College on Jan. 19. Taylor said the PRWC is requesting $41 million ready, the next chance to apply for state funding in state funding for 20 water infrastructure projects. CHARLES A. BAKER III would be fiscal year 2021-22. Diamond Jewelry Fumero said he was hired to try and help to legislators who represent Polk County in Tallahassee about Gifts For Your Just in Time provide an unbiased opinion of “what we call the Chevy or this issue at Polk State College. for Valentines Cadillac options.” Taylor said the PRWC is asking for state legislators to approve Lady Love Charms Options being considered include two proposed desalination $41 million to fund 20 local water infrastructure projects. Large Selection of We Buy Diamonds, plants — one on the Lake Wales Ridge and the other in Seventeen of the 20 projects are municipal projects that do not Diamonds & Gold Jewelry Gold, Platinum, Lakeland — that would remove and purify saltwater from the involve alternative water supply, but do have other benefits. Jewelry Appraisals Silver & Rolex Watches Lower Floridan Aquifer; a project to harvest rain water using It is likely that the board would have to seek additional a combination of the Winter Haven Chain of Lakes and the 481 E. Hwy. 50, Suite 101 • Clermont, Florida 34711 funds from the state if the PRWC board decides it is ready to We are open regular hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30 • Sat 9:30 - 3:30 • Sun - Closed Upper Peace River drainage basin wetlands; or a combination start building a means to get more water to Davenport this 352-394-2612 thereof. fiscal year. Go To: www.pittmanjewelers.com to see more On Jan. 19, PRWC Executive Director Ryan Taylor spoke

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February 3, 2021 FOUR CORNERS NEWS-SUN Page 5 LAW ENFORCEMENT Polk Fire Rescue captain arrested for theft of COVID-19 vaccine doses By KIM MOODY Damiano set up “Paramedic of the Year” County Sheriff’s Office to investigate. sealing it, Damiano told Colon to take a break. Highlands News-Sun Joshua Colon into circumstances for the On Jan. 25, Colon and his lawyers met with When Colon came back, three vaccines were COVID-19 vaccines to be stolen, according to deputies, where Colon admitted to falsifying gone and the seal was missing. He did not report BARTOW — Polk County Fire Cpt. Anthony Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. The vaccines the records. the incident, the arrest report showed. Damiano, 55, turned himself in to the Polk were entrusted to Colon, 31, who has also been The arrest affidavit shows Damiano “joked” During the investigation, a search warrant was County Jail on Jan. 27. charged in this case. with Colon about giving him vaccines for his obtained for Damiano’s car where they found Damiano has been charged with being a Colon was to complete paperwork to account mother. He further pressured Colon by telling two of the three missing syringes of vaccine. public servant falsifying official records and for each dose given and each member of PCFR him the doses could be reported as waste. Colon PCFR Public Information Officer Chris with petit theft. Damiano has since bonded to receive the vaccine. Polk County Fire Rescue told deputies he refused to give the vaccines Jonckhleer said that Damiano wrote a letter of out of jail. He has been accused of stealing Battalion Chief Yevgeniy Gorokhov found to Damiano. The captain said he would tell resignation with intent to retire before heading COVID-19 vaccine doses from Polk County discrepancies in the vaccine documents. People Colon’s superiors he was selling the vaccines off to be booked. Fire Rescue in order to vaccinate his mother. listed on documents said they were never outside of work. Johnckhleer said he was unsure if Damiano The vaccines were meant for fellow firefighters. vaccinated. The case was turned over to the Polk After securing the vaccines in a cooler and would keep his retirement benefits if convicted. Polk man arrested Former Haines City High teacher, coach for stealing lights arrested for sexual battery A recently resigned Haines City High School teacher and with the victim via social media and provided more than 20 from grave of triple basketball coach was arrested Jan. 26 for sexually engaging with handwritten notes detailing their relationship. They were signed a student on multiple occasions. by Ricks under an alias. murder victim Wayne McKenzie Ricks II, 29, was arrested in Osceola County More than 80 phone calls were made between the two in less on 10 counts of custodial sexual battery on a victim between the than a one-month span from December to January. Of those, By KIM MOODY ages of 12 and 18. more than 30 were made outside of school hours, including calls Highland News-Sun Ricks and the student had engaged in sexual activity dating that ended well after midnight. Ricks also provided the victim back to at least fall, including on-campus at Haines City High with gifts to include shoes, clothes and exercise equipment. School. The investigation was prompted after a family member of the FORT MEADE — Game cameras helped lead to the arrest At school, Ricks would have the victim come to his classroom victim became aware of the relationship and reported it. of Kevin John Wheeler, 45, of Fort Meade on Saturday by Polk while he was alone and the two would have intercourse in a closet. Ricks was employed as an ESE teacher and junior varsity boys County Sheriff’s Office deputies. Wheeler will be charged Another student and friend of the victim would be present in the basketball coach at Haines City High School. He was hired Aug. with removing a monument from the gravesite of one of the classroom at the time and recalled observing the two walk into 31, 2020 and resigned on Jan. 23, 2021. There was no previous triple murder victims in Frostproof last year. the closet to have sex on about 10 occasions. disciplinary action in his personnel file. Wheeler has also been charged with petit theft. Ricks would text the victim during school hours to come to Polk County Public Schools confirmed that standard Sheriff Grady Judd announced Wheeler’s arrest on Jan. 26 his classroom and authorized passes for the victim to leave class. procedures were followed during the hiring of Ricks. via a press conference, along with two other unrelated arrests. Ricks and the victim also spent time together off-campus, dating Haines City High School and the Haines City Police Department According to officials, Roy and Elizabeth Tillman reported back to at least October. have been working closely throughout this investigation and will the theft of solar lights off the grave of their son, Damion, Throughout the investigation, detectives were able to obtain continue to do so. The cooperation between the school and the at the Evergreen Cemetery on Jan. 13. Judd said Wheeler video of what appeared to be Ricks and the victim kissing inside Police Department was vital in assuring the swift arrest of the confessed. the classroom. The victim told detectives that sexual contact also suspect. Judd said, “A worthless individual stole those lights.” He took place inside of Ricks’ vehicle. “This case of grooming serves as a reminder for parents to said Wheeler was the “lowest of the low of the low.” A video was obtained that showed the two together at Universal remain vigilant about who their children are around,” Haines Judd, known for his one-liners, said Wheeler did not rate Studios during Halloween Horror Nights in October. Witnesses City Police Chief Jim Elensky said. a “‘What were you thinking?’ because he wasn’t thinking.” also observed the two together at a youth basketball game in Damion Tillman was murdered in a triple homicide on Sebring earlier this month. In addition to texts, Ricks had contact Submitted July 17, 2020, during a fishing trip. After the theft of the solar lights, the parents replaced the solar lights and also added a surveillance camera that Judd TH NOW called a “game camera.” Judd said Wheeler allegedly showed 38 YEAR up again “to steal more solar lights.” He also said they had OPEN caught a “thieving animal.” WEEKLY LUNCH SPECIALS • KIDS MENU “He said, ‘hey, I just like to steal the lights. They were kind of neat. I thought they were cool, so I stole them,’” Judd said. Wheeler at one time received a Special Court Martial by the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service for a bomb SHOP LOCALLY ★ LOCALLY OWNED threat, said the PCSO public information officer in a press A lot of food for a little price! release. In addition, he has a history of felony grand theft In Store & Online and vehicle theft. Orders Through the “Few of us know the agony of burying a child, and even Month of January fewer if that child is murdered. It is abhorrent that this MURPHY BEDS CONVERTIBLE SOFA/BEDS criminal made the Tillman family a victim yet again,” Judd $$ Hundreds Below Twin, Full & Queen Size Mon -Fri 8-5 said. Competitors’ Prices On Sale Now! Sat 9-3 • Sun 9-3 Wheeler was brought to the Polk County Jail and was HEADBOARDS • SOFAS • MATTRESSES • RECLINERS & MORE! released on a bond of $1,250 bond. 863.845.2025 • BedAndFurnitureHaven.com 863-547-9451 1806 1st Street S., Winter Haven • FL 33880 FREE www.jerseyboyzcafe.com (Next to Chick-Fil-A) Wifi 31 N 6th St • Haines City Page 6 FOUR CORNERS NEWS-SUN February 3, 2021

EDUCATION Founding trustee’s gift supports 1st-generation scholars at Florida Poly

First-generation college students will have people who took risk – kind of education at other more access to a high-demand STEM degree everybody who came to work universities, who now have from Florida Polytechnic University, thanks to at and attend a school that was great opportunities to use a $100,000 gift from businessman and founding unaccredited, didn’t have any their talents to contribute to trustee Robert Gidel and his wife, Linda Gidel students, or any real assurance the future economic viability “I’m a first-generation college graduate in my that it was going to succeed,” of Florida.” family,” said Robert Gidel, managing partner of said Robert Gidel, who was Kathy Bowman, vice Liberty Capital Advisors LLC. “You see what elected founding chairman president of advancement at opportunities can be realized by students who of the University’s Board of Florida Poly, said the Gidels’ might not otherwise be able to go to college Trustees in 2012 and served gift can be transformative in and you see the obstacles they overcome and through 2015. the lives of many students. what they achieve. It’s almost impossible to sit In the years since Florida “This gift will allow and listen to the stories and not be emotional.” Poly opened in 2014, the these high-achieving first- This commitment to benefit first-generation University has achieved generation students to know scholars at Florida Poly extends Gidel’s accreditation by the Southern their professional dreams are relationship with the University, which began Association of Colleges not only in reach, but are also 11 years ago. When a vision for the first state and Schools Commission supported by a community university dedicated entirely to STEM began to on Colleges (SACSCOC) that believes in their ambitions Founding Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees Chairman Robert blossom in 2012, Robert Gidel was tapped to and by the Computing and Gidel and his wife, Linda Gidel, have committed $100,000 to support first- and their promise,” Bowman join Florida Polytechnic University’s first Board Engineering Accreditation generation students at the University. Linda Gidel is president of the Gidel said. “Florida Poly is very of Trustees and help guide the creation of the Commission of ABET, Foundation. PHOTO PROVIDED BY GIDEL FAMILY grateful to Robert and Linda new institution. attracted leading faculty, and 2021 engineering programs by U.S. News & Gidel for their generosity and Nearly a decade later, Robert Gidel is proud become a model for the delivery of affordable, World Report. their steadfast support of the University from of the distinguished position Florida Poly high-quality education in science, technology, “The county and the state of Florida benefit its earliest days. We are proud to be among the has carved for itself among Florida’s 12 state engineering, and math (STEM). from this University,” said Robert Gidel, who important causes they support.” universities. It also has enjoyed multiple state and national lives in Sarasota. “So do all of the students “This is an achievement from a lot of rankings, including being listed among the top who may not have been able to pursue this Submitted 83572 Now doing Polk State collegiate high schools TELEHEALTH visits will hold info sessions in February

ACCEPTING ALL Two of Polk State College’s three collegiate edu/polk-state-lakeland-collegiate-high-school/ Disney Insurance: high schools will host information sessions in admission-information. February for students interested in attending for Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High

• Allegiance / Cigna • Wellcare the 2021-2022 Academic Year. School Information Sessions will take places Polk State’s charter high schools serve juniors Feb. 9, Feb. 18 and Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. each • Medicare • ALL Orlando and seniors and allow students to fulfill high evening. RSVP by emailing [email protected]. • CarePlus Health Healthplans school requirements while also earning college The online application for the 2021-2022 • Devoted • United credits. In most cases, students graduate with Academic Year will open February 1. More Dr. Aftab Khan M.D. • ALL FL Hospital • Aetna both their high school diplomas and Polk State information is available here: www.polk. associate degrees at no cost to them. edu/chain-of-lakes-collegiate-high-school/ Dr. Khan has admitting Privileges in Healthcare System • Florida Blue Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School admission-information. Celebration Hospital and Heart of and Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High The formats and locations of the information Florida Regional Medical Center. School have upcoming information sessions for sessions should be noted, as Polk State Lakeland Now Accepting interested students and their parents. Both are Collegiate High School will hold virtual Because We Care New Patients “A” schools with 100 percent graduation rates meetings via Zoom that will be recorded and and have been designated Schools of Excellence made available on the www.polk.edu/lchs Internal Medicine (Board Certified) Se Habla Espanol by the State Board of Education. website for those who cannot attend in real- Information sessions will offer prospective time. 2500 Berry Blvd., Davenport, FL. 33897 students and parents the opportunity to learn Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High Four Corners • Berry Town Center (Behind Publix & SunTrust Bank) about the application process, the Postsecondary School will host in-person meetings on the Polk Education Readiness Test (PERT), and meet State Winter Haven Campus, where participants with faculty and staff. are expected to follow guidelines in the College’s 863.420.4077 Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School Return to Campus Plan which include wearing Open Monday-Friday 8 am - 5 pm Information Sessions will take place on Feb. 4 cloth face coverings and socially distancing. New extended hours on Saturdays 8AM-12PM and Feb. 16, at 6 p.m. each evening. Zoom links Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College ONLY for walk-in sick visits will be available at www.polk.edu/lchs. The Collegiate High School will hold information online application for the 2021-2022 Academic sessions later in the semester. www.davenportmedicalcenter.com Year will open after the February 4 meeting and The Oldest Established Primary Care Practice In Davenport more information is available here: www.polk. Polk.edu February 3, 2021 FOUR CORNERS NEWS-SUN Page 7

EDUCATION School district names teacher, school-related employee of the year

Maude Graham, a third-grade teacher at Shelly DeVore (social studies teacher, Bartow Rosabelle W. Blake Academy in Lakeland, was High/International Baccalaureate/Summerlin unveiled Jan. 21 as the 2021 Polk County Teacher Academy), Teresa Negley (fourth-grade teacher, of the Year. Frank E. Brigham Academy), Page Oestreich Lisa Gill, paraeducator at Jesse Keen (Exceptional Student Education teacher, R. Clem Elementary, also in Lakeland, is the district’s Churchwell Elementary), Yvonne McDuffie 2021 School-Related Employee of the Year. (first-grade teacher, Frostproof Elementary), and Graham and Gill will each receive a cash prize Ana-Maria Galbis (school counselor, East Area donated by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. As Adult School). Teacher of the Year, Graham will also receive a car, courtesy of Lakeland Automall. Lisa Gill Both winners will move on to compete for Lisa Gill is a paraeducator who coordinates state titles. Each year, the Florida Department of many parent involvement activities at Jesse Keen Education names a statewide Teacher of the Year, Elementary in Lakeland. She is known for making as well as a School-Related Employee of the Year. home visits whenever necessary and oversees the The Polk Education Foundation and PCPS’ Maude Graham school’s weekend backpack distribution program Lisa Gill Department of Public Relations & Strategic to make sure students have enough to eat. Partnerships consulted with the Florida teacher. No matter what crisis is taking place, Gill School-Related Employee of the Year among Department of Health in Polk County to develop “I learned that teachers were progressing me, is ready to act. Following Hurricane Irma, she the following finalists: Ely Rivera (paraeducator stringent safety measures for last week’s award because I was young and fragile, wide-eyed, worked with a local church to create a food and - physical education, Sandhill Elementary), ceremony, which was held at the RP Funding eager to learn, and very obedient,” Graham said. supply bank at the school. She also helped arrange Charles Luster (custodian, Union Academy), Center’s Lake Hollingsworth Room in Lakeland. “Knowing this, I always wanted to become the housing through local agencies for families whose Todd Koza (school safety guardian, Lake Alfred Attendance was scaled back to a fraction of the teacher who taught students who struggled as I homes were damaged during the storm. Elementary), Rebecca Carroll (ESE paraeducator, normal audience. Face coverings were required had. I always dreamt of teaching students reading Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Gill Socrum Elementary), Stacy Leech (cafeteria and dinner and student performances were strategies, no matter the circumstances that stood has offered to help wherever she is needed, such manager, Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary), and eliminated to shorten the ceremony. in their way.” as organizing her school’s device distribution Allison Crutchfield (network manager, East Area Event sponsors included Aramark, Boswell Graham, who has served in the Army National program, so students could get internet-accessible Adult School). & Dunlap, Florida Blue, Lakeland Automall, Guard, credits her military service with providing devices for online learning. LEGOLAND, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, her valuable skills for becoming a teacher. Lisa Gill was chosen as the 2021 Polk County Polk County Public Schools release Mosaic, Publix Super Markets Charities, Tampa Her students learn through hands-on reading Electric Company, and the Polk Education and writing activities, scavenger hunts, rope Association. climbing excursions, and other engaging lessons. She shares her life story with various groups, 45705 Hwy 27, Davenport Maude Graham serves as a mentor, organizes parent/teacher in Ridgewood Plaza Maude Graham teaches English language arts events, and spearheads a leadership program 863-419-4427 and social studies at Rosabelle W. Blake Academy for third- through fifth-graders called “Leader in Lakeland. She became an orphan at a young in Me.” age, with both of her parents passing away by Graham was chosen as the 2021 Polk County www.FloorItStore.com the time she was 9. She struggled in school with Teacher of the Year among the following Mon-Fri 9-6 reading but felt a desire to pursue a career as a teacher finalists: Christi Egor (third-grade Sat 10-4 teacher, Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy), FREE ESTIMATES

SCHOOL BRIEFS

District announces Sunshine State Scholars a special two-day event in Orlando, where they Polk County Public Schools announced its can meet with Florida college representatives Sunshine State Scholars for 2021 last week. and STEM employers. The students also work • Congratulations to Anderson Garner from together to conduct a “think tank” on tough All Types Winter Haven High, Kelsey Slone from Lake challenges facing our state. Gibson High and Kim-Tien Vo from Harrison The 2021 Sunshine State Scholars event is of Flooring School for the Arts. scheduled for April 8-9. More than 100 students Every year, Florida’s school districts select are expected to attend. their top high school juniors in the areas of science, technology, engineering and District is hiring bus drivers mathematics (STEM) for the Sunshine State Polk County Public Schools is hiring bus Scholars program. drivers. The school district has immediate Regarding PCPS’ trio of scholars for 2021: openings for drivers who would like to join • Kitchen “These high-achieving students are leaders its team. in their schools, and their selection from the District staff ask that those interested please and many applicants highlights their performance call 863-534-7298 or email jennifer.baldwin@ in the multitude of STEM courses that PCPS polk-fl.net for details on how to apply. has to offer,” said Jeff Hancock, PCPS’ senior Those interested are encouraged to visit the Bathroom director of K-12 science. “We look forward to Employment Openings to browse other job their success at the college level and beyond.” opportunities with PCPS: polkschoolsfl.com/ Remodels Each scholar and their parents are invited to employmentopenings. 10

Page 8 FOUR CORNERS NEWS-SUN February 3, 2021 SPORTS Girls basketball teams hit hardwood for district tournaments By CHRIS MAYER Windermere High earned byes into the Feb. 4 Poinciana on Jan. 26. between Jan. 5 and Jan. 26 that featured four Contributing Writer semifinal round, sported an 11-5 overall record Poinciana (1.292 rating) landed the No. 2 double-digit margins, await the No. 3 Lake following a 49-43 loss to The Villages Charter seed in Class 6A-District 6 behind top-seeded Howell-No. 6 Liberty winner in the district The winter sports season presses on with girls on Jan. 25. powerhouse Winter Haven. The Eagles, who semifinals on Wednesday (Feb. 3) while the 6A-6 varsity basketball now taking center stage. The Lady Knights, who had a cancellation were 8-4 overall after winning five of six games final is set for Friday night. While competitive cheerleading (Celebration against Mount Dora on Jan. 26, went 5-2 to High finished second in the Medium Non- start the month of January. That included a Tumbling Division finals at the 2021 Florida 49-45 victory over Leesburg as Bailey Carlson High School State Championships) and girls collected 12 points, 13 rebounds and five assists Lakeland Magic roster and weightlifting (several area lifters advanced to and Zahmya Brown and Hailey Hunt scored 13 regional competition from Class 3A-District 9 points apiece. in hopes of qualifying for next week’s state meet East Ridge’s district semifinal opponent will schedule set at St. Cloud High School) deservedly held some be the winner of Tuesday’s opening-round game Two weeks after finalizing their roster for Twitch); and March 5 against the Iowa Wolves of the spotlight in recent days, girls basketball between No. 4 seed Ridge Community (1.831) the upcoming 2021 NBA G League bubble (NBA TV/Twitch). wrapped up the regular season on Jan. 30 in and No. 5 seed Haines City (-0.912). The other season at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex preparation for postseason play. half of the 7A-6 bracket matches Windermere World of Sports Complex, the Lakeland Magic is expected to host a minimum of six games Florida High School Athletic Association against No. 6 seed Celebration (-2.170) or No. learned their opening-night opponent. per day across two venues. Under this season’s girls basketball district tournaments tipped off 3 seed Osceola High. Lakeland faces the Austin Spurs (NBA G format, there are no division or conference this week, although dates and locations remain The 7A-6 district championship game is League affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs) alignments and no team will play an opponent subject to change during the ongoing COVID-19 scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday (Feb. 5). at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 as the NBA G League more than once. pandemic. Seedings for district brackets Ridge Community – which defeated Haines released its 2021 game and telecast schedules As of Jan. 13, the Lakeland roster stood were based on the most updated FHSAA City by 21 points during the regular season – on Jan. 27. The Magic are slated to play 15 at 12. That included two-way players Karim Power Rankings, while district champions and improved to 5-7 with a 35-34 win over Bartow games between Feb. 11 and March 6, with Mané and Jordan Bone as well as a trio runners-up qualify for the regional tourney. on Jan. 22. Haines City was 6-8 overall after the top eight teams advancing to a single- of players – Devin Cannady (Princeton), Clermont East Ridge (7.357 rating as of splitting games last week with Auburndale (57- elimination playoff beginning March 8. Robert Franks (Washington State) and Jon Jan. 25) received the top seed for the Class 55 victory) and Lake Gibson (53-49 loss). The Magic will have three nationally Teske (Michigan) – who were waived by the 7A-District 6 tournament that began with Celebration and Osceola played in early televised games: Feb. 23 against the Orlando Magic in December. first-round games on Tuesday (Feb. 2), but December with the Kowboys pulling away in the Westchester Knicks (ESPN2); Feb. 28 versus results were unavailable at press time. The second half. The Storm had a 5-7 mark through the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Mad Ants (NBA TV/ Chris Mayer Lady Knights, who along with second-seeded 12 contests, which included a 37-23 setback to PATIO FURNITURE Homes Sold BUY AT THE FACTORY & $AVE! 7568 Oakmoss Loop...... 33837 ..... 2,828 sqft | 5/5 ...... Jan. 28 ...... $444,999 9028 Shadow Mountain St...... 33896 ..... 3,339 sqft | 6/6 ...... Jan. 26 ...... $425,000 1347 Yorkshire Court ...... 33896 ..... 2,986 sqft | 6/5 ...... Jan. 27 ...... $365,000 CHOOSE 1724 Pine Ridge Drive ...... 33896 ..... 3,418 sqft | 5/5 ...... 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Sunday Crossword ANSWERS ON PAGE 18

No. 0124

DOUBLE-CROSSED 12345 678910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 BY TRACY GRAY AND TOM PEPPER / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ 18 19 20 21 22

Tracy Gray lives in Sparks, Md., near Baltimore, where she and her husband own and operate a lawn-and-landscaping business. Tom 23 24 25 26 Pepper lives in Eden Prairie, Minn., next door to Edina, of crossword fame. In April he plans to retire from his position of finance director for the city of Eagan after 29 years. Tracy and Tom met at a crossword tournament several years ago and have been exchanging theme 27 28 29 30 31 ideas ever since. — W.S.

ACROSS 43 Party game similar to 96 For one purpose only 7 Subject of a Sleeves Up 32 33 34 35 36 37 1 Getting warm, so to Catch Phrase 98 Org. that takes many campaign speak 44 Grows increasingly forms 8 French luxury jeweler 38 39 40 41 42 43 6 It was established by a more irksome 99 Five-star 9 ABCs 47 44 45 46 47 48 49 1926 royal charter Starbucks sizes 100 Quark-antiquark 10 Lead-in to therapy 9 smaller than combo Ulan ____, Mongolia 11 Jazz instrument 50 51 52 53 54 55 grandes 104 14 Be against Some entertainers at pitched in the key of 49 18 Send, as payment Dove bar, e.g. children’s birthday B flat 56 57 58 59 60 parties 19 50 Given as a bequest 12 No. 1 of 50, 107 Peace activist Yoko 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 alphabetically: Abbr. 52 Suffix with mega- or Europe’s longest river 13 Classic dorm-room 20 Former basketball multi- 70 71 72 73 110 Trouble meal star Gilbert . . . or the 54 Ones making strong 14 111 O icon Fading process for places he played impressions? jeans 74 75 76 77 22 56 112 Western Hemisphere Garb in a duck blind, ‘‘Je t’____’’ (words 15 Deep-toned cousin of informally from a beau) grp. 78 79 80 81 82 113 an English horn 23 Way into a garage, 57 Prince Andrew’s Legendary firefighter 16 One whose calling is 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 typically younger daughter Red 114 Curler’s surface making calls? 25 California wine region 60 On the main 90 91 92 93 94 95 115 Kind of palm 17 American Kennel Club 26 61 Prominent women’s Road-trip guessing cultivated for its designation game rights lawyer 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 fruit 21 Stuffing herb 27 Freak (out) 63 Member of an Iraqi 117 Prove wrong 24 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 28 minority GreenCROSSWORD on the screen Tennis star who won 119 Awards show 31 at least one Grand 65 Obscure knowledge QB’s passing stat: that airs at night, Abbr. 111 112113 114 Slam title for a 70 Violent, maybe ironically record 13 straight 35 Up to 115116 117118 119 120 71 Certain laundry- 121 Part of une éclipse years 36 detergent capsule 122 Din from a den 29 Submits an online 121 122 123 124 Initialism that can 73 return 37 Keystone ____ include an ‘‘h’’ for Causing constriction 123 39 Put forward ‘‘humble’’ of the pupils Brown. ender 125 126 127 128 74 124 41 TV channel that owns 30 Old-timey ‘‘OMG!’’ Nailed the test “ 75 the website The 32 GPS guess 007’s alma mater 125 What’s more, it’s said 76 Undefeated 33 Variables in πr² and Visual phenomenon 126 Down stream? 58 ‘‘Go ____!’’ (coach’s 72 Took steroids, say 86 Marshmallow-filled 103 Star of the ‘‘Taken’’ created by short 45 Beer in a green bottle 2πr 127 Easy target encouragement) 77 Like loud phone snacks trilogy flashes of light 46 Part of a college visit, 34 128 59 Computer menu with conversations in 87 105 Like snow leopards Nickelodeon 78 Buddy of ‘‘The typically University of competitor Linguist Chomsky Beverly Hillbillies’’ Undo and Redo public Montana city and Siberian tigers 80 47 Prepare to swing, say 38 Bagless-vacuum Dense fog, 60 Expand upon 79 Designed to deter 89 Hitchhike 106 What tots might go metaphorically 48 Unseal furtively, as an maker DOWN 62 Tony winner Menzel stealing 92 Shapiro of NPR after? 82 When repeated, a envelope 40 Savvy couple? 1 Sang one’s own praises 64 Antarctica’s ____ Ice 81 T-Bonz dog treat 94 108 Easy two points Hawaiian fish 50 Floral fragrance note Emulates the 42 ____ the Kid, 2 Humor regarding a Shelf brand Mongols 109 ‘‘Scram!’’ 83 Major utility pipeline 51 Behave theatrically 66 83 nickname for N.H.L. serious matter Nestlé creamer Word before bag or 95 Old genre for 115 ____-American star Crosby 87 Whimper 53 Restored to mint bar 3 ‘‘w’’-like letters 67 Bothered persistently 12-Down 116 Tool for pool 88 It has its pros and 4 condition 84 Musical with the Anthony Hopkins, for 68 Not for mass 97 Z4 or Q50 118 Old-timey cry of Online subscriptions: Today’s cons 55 Lesser Antilles native opening number puzzle and more one audiences disgust 90 ‘‘Every Story Is a 99 Judge than 4,000 past puzzles, Part of P. R. 5 Wi-Fi alternative 56 City that’s home to 69 When the Battle of 120 91 Love Story’’ 101 Pool competitions Will Smith/Tommy nytimes.com/crosswords Far from wild 6 Complained about three UNESCO Yorktown occurs in Lee Jones film ($39.95 a year). 85 102 93 Pesto ingredient getting fleeced? World Heritage Sites ‘‘Hamilton’’ Sallie Mae products Immature egg cell series, for short

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a pair of games to start Polk State programs getting the season before bouncing back with its back in swing of things first win on Monday, Jan. 25. The Eagles Four of Polk State College’s five athletics Polk State’s men’s basketball team hosted opened with losses to programs returned to action last month. Florida Southwestern in its opener Jan. 23, Chipola and Pensacola Women’s volleyball, men’s basketball, softball falling 75-62 to the visitors from Fort Myers. State on Jan. 22 and Jan. baseball all played their first games of the Ishan White led the Eagles with 18 points 23, respectively. COVID-19 era. and eight rebounds. Tionne Rollins scored 15 Coach Al Corbeil’s The Eagles volleyball team, ranked No. 2 in points and grabbed five rebounds. team bounced back the state, opened its season Jan. 23 with a 3-1 Polks State hoops returns to action against with a 19-8 win over win over No. 6 Santa Fe. Daytona State College on Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. in Lake Sumpter in Winter Elly McInerney dished out 40 assists to pace Winter Haven. Haven, however. As of Polk State (1-1), which lost its second match Polk State softball, which had not begun its press time, Polk State of the season on Jan. 26. Keren Santana and season as of press time due to cancellations, is 2-3. Tamara Chavez each had 13 kills and Suared will host Eastern Florida State College Feb. 5 Molina made a team-high 23 digs in the victory. in Winter Haven for a pair of games at 3 p.m. Staff report Polk State volleyball will host State College of and 5 p.m. Suared Molina, pictured, had a team-high 23 digs as No. 2 Polk State Florida, Manatee-Sarasota at 1 p.m. on Feb. 4. Finally, the Polk State baseball team dropped started its season with a 3-1 win over No. 6 Santa Fe on Jan. 23. TOM HAGERTY/ POLK STATE Valentine’s Day Specials

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By CATHY PALMER development, which launched in 2018, says east of that at 91 Mine Road. provide better options for moving people and Contributing Writer Stephanie Eisenberg, the project’s spokeswoman. The proposal also provides for overhead goods and decrease congestion on existing roads; The purpose of the meeting is to outline the tolling gantries, so no toll booths will be required that it will provide an additional access route to Seven east Bartow homes and two businesses preferred alignment for the project. and all toll collection will be done electronically, Interstate 4 and S.R. 60 for both travelers and may be razed if the Florida Turnpike Enterprise The chosen alignment follows what was according to project documents. truck traffic; and that it will lessen commercial approves the suggested alignment for the basically outlined by Polk County years ago, Most of the homes and two of the businesses or truck traffic through Bartow. extension of the Central Polk Parkway from U.S. primarily paralleling 91 Mine Road, just west of impacted are located close to, or on, U.S. 17. Project Manager Stephanie Underwood also 17 to State Road 60 next Tuesday. Gordon Heights, and segments of Connorsville, Lizzy’s Supermarket convenience store and its maintains the project will enhance safety and The public hearing on the two-mile stretch of just east of Bartow. neighbor, Brenda’s Wings and Things, would also evacuation routes, as well as improve travel time parkway extension is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. The proposed limited-access, four-lane be absorbed in the project’s right-of-way needs. reliability. 9 at the W. H. Stuart Center, located on U.S. 17 highway will provide two lanes in each direction Six of the homes impacted also lie close to The project development phase is the first in Bartow. The forum will also be held virtually, that will be divided by a grassed median, as well U.S. 17. Other business properties are either step toward construction, followed by project according to officials. as a trail or walking path along the east side. vacant or involve removing no structures, the design, rights-of-way acquisition and, lastly, To participate, one may either attend the The project also includes the construction of a documents say. construction. regular hearing at the Stuart Center or, if one diamond overpass at the interchange at U.S. 17, According to Turnpike officials, the segment Design is scheduled but further phases have wants to attend virtually, they must register a lengthy bridge spanning wetlands and Peace proposed will link with the ongoing project not yet been funded, according to officials. online at www.centralpolkparkway.com and Creek about half-way through the project, and it to the north, which ties into the existing Polk For inquiries prior to the public hearing, follow the prompts. calls for the installation of traffic signals at both Parkway. contact Eisenberg at 407-264-3064 or follow The hearing is the final phase of the project’s the at-grade intersection with State Road 60 and Transportation officials say the project will directions outlined on the project website. All the deals your Specials heart desires!

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By JIM SAUNDERS overall structure of things, it is really just political theater to make News Service of Florida people feel like the economy is doing better than it actually is.” Among the factors increasing the proposed budget’s bottom Gov. Ron DeSantis on Jan. 28 proposed a record $96.6 billion line is a surge of hundreds of thousands of people enrolling in state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, offering a more upbeat the Medicaid program as they have lost jobs or need health-care picture of Florida’s finances than lawmakers who will have to coverage. Medicaid is expected to include about 4.59 million stitch together a spending plan as the COVID-19 pandemic people during the upcoming year, with the increased enrollment continues to hamper the economy. reflected in higher costs for the program, which is jointly funded During a news conference at the Capitol, DeSantis said his by the state and federal governments. proposal would increase funding for public schools, continue DeSantis’ proposal addresses myriad programs and issues funneling money into environmental issues such as Everglades across state government. Some high-profile parts of the proposal restoration and direct dollars to initiatives like helping address include: sea-level rise. - An additional $285.5 million for the main part of public- But the proposal was a departure from projections that the Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget proposal, released last week, is school funding, with an increase of $233 per student. About state could face a more than $2 billion budget shortfall because regarded as upbeat in spite of concerns that the state could $217 million of the $285.5 million would come from increased of the economic fallout of the pandemic. Legislative leaders have face a $2 billion budget shortfall. NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA PHOTO property-tax revenues that stem from higher property values. warned repeatedly that they expect to have to make budget cuts as But as recently as mid-January, House Appropriations - $625 million to continue a multi-year effort to restore the they negotiate a spending plan for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Chairman Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City, warned of looming Everglades and address other water-related issues, including DeSantis’ proposal — dubbed the “Florida Leads” budget — budget cuts, including the possibility of education cuts. Senate springs restoration. The proposal also includes a new “Resilient is a starting point for the legislative deliberations, and it relies President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, also has raised the possibility Florida” program, which would involve issuing bonds to help the heavily on federal money that has flowed into the state to help of moves such as increasing university tuition — something not state and local governments address issues such as sea-level rise. deal with the pandemic. Also, it would bank on such things as included in DeSantis’ proposal. - $50 million for the Visit Florida tourism-marketing agency, increased property-tax revenues to boost education spending, “You know, we’re going to need to look very hard and diligently which has been the subject of years of battles in the Legislature. long a controversial issue. at how everything is funded, and whether or not it meets muster. Also, the proposal would provide $50 million for the “Job Growth The proposal would be about $4.3 billion higher than the … And we will be squeezing blood out of turnips, as they say in Grant” program, an economic-development program. current year’s budget. A summary of the proposal released by my neck of the woods,” Trumbull said this month. - An eight-day tax “holiday” that would allow back-to-school DeSantis’ office said $2.6 billion of the potential increase is related House Minority Co-leader Evan Jenne, D-Dania Beach, shoppers to avoid paying sales taxes on clothes, school supplies to the COVID-19 response or impacts of the pandemic. described DeSantis’ budget proposal last week as a “wish list.” and computers. Also, the proposal would provide a 10-day tax “Despite the unprecedented circumstances and historic The annual legislative session starts March 2, but committees are holiday for purchases of disaster-preparedness supplies. reductions, the Florida Leads budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 scheduled next week to start reviewing the proposal. - No across-the-board pay raises for state employees. totals more than our current budget for the last year,” DeSantis “The governor’s proposed budget holds no sway, when it comes said. “It’s $4.3 billion more. Most of that is directly related to to when things are actually being done,” Jenne said. “Obviously, News Service Assignment Manager Tom Urban contributed to COVID response efforts.” priorities will be prioritized for his benefit. But, in terms of the this report.

IN BRIEF

Economist to lawmakers: Tourism faces long recovery see we have pretty sharp growth,” Baker said. “From that point who would be able to avoid paying sales taxes on clothing costing With first-time unemployment claims spiking two weeks ago, forward, we think it’ll be more slow recovery, but that we should up to $60, school supplies costing up to $15 and computers priced a top Florida economist is cautioning that the vital, but battered, be approaching normal enough to say that we’ve recovered by 2024. at $1,000 or less. tourism industry is in for another difficult spring because of So, that’s our current expectation.” DeSantis also asked for a 10-day disaster-preparedness tax COVID-19. Baker’s comments came before the U.S. Department of Labor holiday before hurricane season, with shoppers able to avoid sales Amy Baker, coordinator of the Legislature’s Office of Economic on Jan. 28 released a report that estimated 57,824 first-time taxes on storm supplies, including generators priced up to $750. & Demographic Research, told lawmakers Jan. 27 that despite unemployment claims were filed in Florida for the week that improved tax-revenue numbers for December, big-spending ended Jan. 23. Exceptions eyed as minimum wage increases foreign tourists aren’t expected to flock to Florida in the coming Less than three months after voters approved a constitutional months because of the pandemic. DeSantis eyes sales-tax holidays amendment to raise Florida’s minimum wage, a Senate Republican “It’s possible we’re going to see a greater negative impact coming Gov. Ron DeSantis is again seeking to hold sales-tax “holidays” on Jan. 27 filed a proposal that could lead to exceptions for some from this quarter, but not necessarily a worsening of conditions,” for disaster-preparedness supplies and back-to-school shopping as workers. Baker said, referring to the January-through-March period that part of economic initiatives included in a proposed $96.6 billion The amendment, approved in the November election, will typically ends with an influx of spring breakers. “But we’re going budget released last week. increase the minimum wage to $10 an hour on Sept. 30 and lead to have lost the big volume of people that usually help us.” DeSantis also wants to revive the Job Growth Grant Fund, asking to annual increases until it is $15 an hour on Sept. 30, 2026. The state has seen an uptick in people driving to Florida, which for $50 million for the program, which would allow him to direct But Senate Judiciary Chairman Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, has been a goal of Visit Florida, the state’s tourism-marketing arm. money to regional infrastructure projects and workforce-training filed a proposal last week that, if approved, would allow the But Baker said on average those tourists don’t spend the same programs. Legislature to provide a reduced minimum wage for workers under amount of time or money as foreign travelers and others who fly Lawmakers last year approved $20 million for the fund, which age 21, for workers convicted of felonies, for state prisoners and into Florida. was created in 2017 after a legislative battle over economic- for “other hard-to-hire employees.” And Baker said during an appearance before the House Tourism, development incentives. But DeSantis in June eliminated the The proposal (SJR 854) is filed for consideration during the Infrastructure & Energy Subcommittee that while tourism numbers growth fund money as part of $1 billion in vetoes aimed at reducing legislative session that will start March 2. If passed, it would show expected improvements during the coming year, it may not expenses amid the coronavirus pandemic. need voter approval in 2022 because it would change the state be until 2024 before normalcy returns to the hospitality and leisure In his new budget proposal, DeSantis projected $65 million in Constitution. industries that have suffered the most from the pandemic. savings for Floridians from the two proposed sales-tax holidays. “So, 2021 will still be low. By the time we hit 2022, you can One would last for eight days and target back-to-school shoppers, News Service of Florida February 3, 2021 FOUR CORNERS NEWS-SUN Page 13

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1151 TOWER BOULEVARD | LAKE WALES, FL 33853 | 863-676-1408 | BOKTOWERGARDENS.ORG February 3, 2021 FOUR CORNERS NEWS-SUN Page 15 Viewpoints Listen to your momma Even though I am in my 60s, part of they keep bumping up herd immunity because they think we Out of an abundance of caution for the welfare of our fellow my brain still thinks I am still in my can hear the truth. Now we are told it will take 90 percent to human beings – take the vaccine, says my 60-something self. 20s. My 20-year-old self doesn’t want get herd immunity. How can we trust medical leadership to We all understand there is no such thing as zero risk in to get the COVID-19 vaccine. tell us the truth about the virus or the vaccine? life, but which choice about whether to take the COVID-19 My 20-year-old self thinks that, Plus, medical professionals seem to be downplaying the vaccine carries the most personal risk? Ink In My Veins even in my 60s, I am young and value of the vaccine. You still need to wear a mask and social One study showed a third of those hospitalized with David Dunn-Rankin healthy. I’ve run a marathon and still distance. You can still get sick. Even with the vaccine, maybe COVID-19 were still experiencing neurological reactions even run each week. For fun I swam 2.5 you can still get others sick. There are other strains – we don’t six months later. About 87 percent of those hospitalized had miles last July 4th to celebrate. COVID-19 is not to be feared know if the vaccine will be effective against those. at least one lingering symptom from having had COVID-19. for the strong. My 20-year-old brain in my 60-something body says getting There is a nickname for this group – COVID-19 Long What’s the virus going to do to me? I never get sick. I don’t the vaccine just isn’t worth the risks. Haulers. need the annual flu vaccine either, says my 20-year-old self. But hold on — the 60-something part of my brain feels a The health risks to you of not taking the vaccine look much The one time I did get the shot, I got sick for a week. Never little different. higher than health risks from taking the vaccine. again. I never understood the early-on advice from medical So far, tens of millions of people have taken different I am strong – like a bull. professionals who said don’t wear a mask. When I was a child, vaccines from multiple drug companies. There is no evidence The 20-year-old part of my brain also reminds me that the my mother always said, “Hey, cover your mouth when you of widespread health risk from any of the vaccines beyond an COVID-19 vaccines are new. No one actually knows the long- cough. You don’t want to accidentally get someone else sick. occasional significant allergic reaction, which an EpiPen takes term effects. Have a little respect for your neighbors.” care of. I’m not around frail old people very often, so I am unlikely It turns out Momma was right. Her advice still resonates. In the end, I believe it comes down to my Momma’s voice in to accidentally get someone sick who is likely to die from Have a little respect for your neighbors. my head. COVID-19. It’s not just older neighbors who are at risk from COVID-19. “Hey, boy. Take the vaccine. You don’t want to get someone And, truth be told, there’s part of me that doesn’t trust the Many younger neighbors look quite healthy, but they have else sick accidentally. Have some respect for your neighbor.” medical system. Doctors are not God. Our medical system underlying health conditions. A healthy-looking 20-year- Share your thoughts. makes or can make mistakes. old with an autoimmune-challenged body is more likely to Heck, our health care leadership told us we didn’t need die from COVID-19 than someone with gray hair who is David Dunn-Rankin is CEO of D-R Media, which owns the to wear masks because of COVID-19. Now we know they otherwise healthy. Winter Haven Sun, Four Corners News-Sun and Polk News-Sun apparently “misspoke,” because they were trying to save masks There are many people for us to infect who are at risk. That in Polk County, as well as newspapers in Highlands, Lake and for health care professionals. person next to you may look healthy, but 45 percent of all Sumter counties. He can be reached at [email protected]. They also suggested 50 percent was herd immunity. Now Americans are on some kind of prescription drug medicine.

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT AVOID 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ADDICTION PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE ON OPIOIDS CAN HAPPEN IN AS LITTLE AS SEVEN DAYS. SOME COMMON OPIOIDS INCLUDE: „ Hydrocodone (Norco, Lortab, Vicodin, Zohydro) „ Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan,Roxicodone) „ Morphine (MSIR, MS Contin) „ Codeine (Tylenol #3, Phenergan with codeine) „ Fentanyl (Duragesic, Actiq) „ Methadone (Dolophine, Methadose) „ Oxymorphone (Opana) „ Tramadol (Ultram, ConZip) If someone you know shows signs of opioid addiction, seek help. Lakeland & Winter Haven

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By BAILEY HILL York to work on Broadway. Waltzing through Grand Central Contributing Writer Terminal was where her interest in tours was born. “I’d admire the Beaux-Arts architecture and wish I had the Like any city, Winter Haven has its fair share of chain time to take a tour. I finally got to take a tour and eventually restaurants — but something longtime locals can probably switched careers to become a guide,” she recalls. “It’s similar agree on is that part of the city’s charm comes from its locally- to performing!” owned eateries. Anderson sampled countless foods of all kinds and cultures Amada Anderson, owner of Winter Haven Food Tours, is in the “World’s Borough” that is Queens, and she says it hoping to capitalize on that. influenced and educated her. She would go on to run a tour Winter Haven Food Tours is a new walking food tour in New York City called New York Broadway Tours and is company that seeks to celebrate Winter Haven’s history, currently the secretary for the National Federation of Tourist architecture and cultural cuisine. Guides Association. The service is currently operating under the CDC’s So how’d she end up returning to Florida? recommendations and offers private tours that allow a Anderson’s 74-year-old mother is an Auburndale resident. maximum of 10 people for the outdoor excursions. The three While visiting, she explored Central Florida and says she fell tours available now include the Happy Hour Tour, Sunday in love with Winter Haven. Specifically, Anderson said she Brunch Tour and the Weekday Afternoon Stroll. was in awe of how much was within walking distance in the “All three tours will offer historical background for the city’s downtown district neighborhood and restaurant, but each tour will sample “I felt like I could travel from anywhere, so my husband and different menu items and food culture,” explained Anderson. I decided to try living in Florida to settle down and try for a Some notable features are Gourmet Goodies stuffed cookies, family,” Anderson said. Amada Anderson has previously run tours in New York City Tempo 1930’s truffle burgers, Thai Haven’s traditional She found a job working for the city clerk’s office in Winter and says she is excited to bring a food tour to Winter Haven. dumplings and Union Taproom’s kombucha. Haven City Hall in 2019. PHOTO PROVIDED For Anderson, this latest business venture is years in the “It was an inside perspective, working for the city, learning making. it’s history from the inside out,” she said. groups to this award-winning city,” Anderson said. Growing up in West Palm Beach, she was a performer It’s information she hopes to put to use now with her new To schedule your tour or to learn more, visit all of her young life, eventually studying musical theatre at company. winterhavenfoodtours.com. University of Miami. After graduation, she moved to New “We are thrilled to be the first to offer food tours for small

REGIONAL 7-DAY FORECAST Weather History Snag, Yukon, had the coldest Canadian WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY temperature ever, with 81 degrees below zero on Feb. 3, 1947. That same day, temperatures in Alaska dropped as low as 75 degrees below. Weather Trivia™ Q: An excess of carbon dioxide in the 69 46 79 58 85 64 76 57 79 58 78 57 79 58 atmosphere might cause what? Warmer with plenty A couple of showers Variable clouds, a

Clearing Clouds and sun Considerable clouds Mostly sunny

of sun possible shower possible

Global warming Global POP: 5% POP: 0% POP: 10% POP: 25% POP: 30% POP: 0% POP: 30% A: The Region Wednesday, February 3, 2021 Sebring Sun and Moon Florida Cities Statistics for January 21 to January 27. The Sun Rise Set Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Ocala Wednesday 7:13 a.m. 6:09 p.m. City Hi Lo W Hi Lo W Hi Lo W Hi Lo W 66/42 Temperatures Thursday 7:12 a.m. 6:10 p.m. Avon Park 70 46 s 79 54 pc 85 60 c 78 54 c Daytona Beach High for the week 84 Friday 7:12 a.m. 6:11 p.m. Bartow 68 46 s 79 58 pc 85 64 pc 76 57 c 65/47 Low for the week 45 Saturday 7:11 a.m. 6:11 p.m. Basinger 72 50 s 77 53 pc 82 58 pc 86 53 pc Normal high 74 Beverly DeLand Sunday 7:10 a.m. 6:12 p.m. Beverly Hills 66 40 s 76 52 pc 82 59 pc 72 47 c Leesburg Normal low 47 Hills 66/44 Monday 7:10 a.m. 6:13 p.m. Brooksville 67 41 s 77 52 pc 84 59 pc 73 46 c 65/46 Average temperature 68.1 66/40 Tuesday 7:09 a.m. 6:14 p.m. Clearwater 64 51 s 75 60 pc 80 65 pc 72 56 c Normal average temperature 60.2 The Moon Rise Set Daytona Beach 65 47 s 73 53 pc 79 58 pc 72 51 c Orlando Precipitation (in inches) Wednesday none 11:14 a.m. DeLand 66 44 s 75 52 pc 81 58 pc 73 47 pc Brooksville 67/45 Titusville Total for the week 0.00” Frostproof 69 47 s 79 55 pc 86 61 c 78 55 c 67/41 Thursday 12:25 a.m. 11:52 a.m. 68/49 Total for the month 0.10” Friday 1:29 a.m. 12:34 p.m. Haines City 69 46 s 79 54 pc 85 60 pc 76 53 c Kissimmee Normal for the month 1.63” Saturday 2:35 a.m. 1:21 p.m. Indiantown 72 51 s 76 57 s 80 61 s 77 55 pc Total for the year 0.10” Kissimmee 69 44 s 77 54 pc 84 61 pc 75 52 c Tarpon Springs 69/44 Sunday 3:40 a.m. 2:14 p.m. Melbourne Normal for the year 1.63” Monday 4:43 a.m. 3:12 p.m. Leesburg 65 46 s 75 57 pc 82 63 pc 73 50 c 64/52 Haines City Plant City 68/49 Tuesday 5:41 a.m. 4:14 p.m. Melbourne 68 49 s 75 55 pc 80 61 pc 74 52 c 68/45 69/46 Winter Haven Myakka City 67 50 s 78 55 pc 82 60 pc 77 55 c Last New First Full Statistics for January 21 to January 27. Ocala 66 42 s 75 52 pc 82 59 c 73 49 c Tampa Winter Haven Okeechobee 70 47 s 77 54 s 82 59 pc 78 56 pc 67/52 69/46 Temperatures Frostproof Orlando 67 45 s 76 55 pc 82 61 pc 75 52 c Bartow High for the week 82 69/47 Plant City 68 45 s 77 56 pc 83 62 pc 75 53 c 68/46 Low for the week 48 St. Petersburg Avon Park Feb 4 Feb 11 Feb 19 Feb 27 Port Charlotte 70 48 s 78 57 pc 82 63 s 77 58 c 66/53 70/46 Vero Normal high 74 Solunar Table Sarasota 66 52 s 75 59 pc 79 64 pc 74 58 c Wauchula Normal low 52 Sebring 70 52 s 78 53 pc 84 59 pc 86 52 c Basinger Beach Minor Major Minor Major 70/47 69/49 Average temperature 68.0 St. Petersburg 66 53 s 75 59 pc 79 64 pc 72 56 c Sebring 72/50 Wed. 12:07p 5:54a ---- 6:20p Myakka City Normal average temperature 62.5 Tampa 67 52 s 75 60 pc 80 65 pc 73 54 c Sarasota 70/52 Thu. 12:37a 6:49a 1:02p 7:15p 67/50 Tarpon Springs 64 52 s 74 58 pc 78 63 pc 71 52 c 66/52 Okeechobee Precipitation (in inches) Fri. 1:33a 7:45a 1:58p 8:10p Titusville 68 49 s 74 56 pc 78 60 pc 73 53 c 70/47 Total for the week 0.12” Sat. 2:29a 8:41a 2:53p 9:05p Venice 67 51 s 75 58 s 79 63 s 74 58 c Total for the month 0.29” Sun. 3:23a 9:36a 3:48p 10:00p Venus 72 50 s 77 54 pc 82 59 pc 86 52 c Venice Venus Normal for the month 2.18” Mon. 4:17a 10:29a 4:42p 10:54p Port Vero Beach 69 49 s 76 55 s 81 60 s 76 55 pc 67/51 72/50 Indiantown Total for the year 0.29” Tue. 5:10a 11:23a 5:36p 11:49p Charlotte 72/51 Normal for the year 2.18” Wauchula 70 47 s 79 55 pc 85 61 pc 76 56 c 70/48 The solunar period schedule allows planning days so you Winter Haven 69 46 s 79 58 pc 85 64 pc 76 57 c Forecasts and graphics provided by Shown is Wednesday’s weather. Temperatures are will be fishing in good territory or hunting in good cover Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, AccuWeather, Inc. ©2021 during those times. Major periods begin at the times shown Wednesday’s highs and Wednesday night’s lows. and last for 1.5 to 2 hours. The minor periods are shorter. sf-snow flurries, sn-snow, i-ice. POP: Probability of precipitation February 3, 2021 FOUR CORNERS NEWS-SUN Page 17 Polk County Sheriff’s Office introduces game-changing technology

When I began my career with the Polk County Live 911 is a web-based software that allows our patrol deputies to listen in on 9-1-1 Sheriff’s Office 48 years ago, I remember stopping in at calls – as they are happening – in their patrol cars on the way to the incident. the Mulberry police station and watching the dispatcher Not only do our deputies hear critical details in real-time, deputies are also self-deploying answer and dispatch calls from a radio room tucked away to a scene before the details are dispatched to them over the radio and through their in- in a tiny corner of that police station. car computers. The entire process in those early years took only a Recently, deputies were responding to a hit-and-run vehicle crash in our Northwest Polk County Sheriff few seconds. District. Today, it’s more complicated, and we manage that with While patrol units were on their way to the crash location, the Sergeant, listening to Grady Judd advanced computer software and mandatory protocols the Live 911 call, heard the caller give a very detailed description of the suspects and the that enable us to get help to people in need in a consistent, direction they were running. Armed with that information, he was able to locate and arrest step-by-step process. the hit and run suspects before dispatch was able to relay the information to the units. The one negative thing modernization has done is to slow down response times. It On another occasion, a mother called 9-1-1 to report that her 1-month-old child was can take several minutes for information to be collected, then typed into a computer choking. A nearby deputy, monitoring Live 911, self-dispatched to the call and was able dispatching system, and then relayed to deputies in the field. to get on scene and save the child before the call information was fully entered into our With that in mind, I challenged my team to find a way to have the best of both worlds system by the 9-1-1 call taker. – manage a modern, high-tech 9-1-1 center, while also being able to dispatch calls with These are only a few incidents that show how effective this new software is. Live 911 the same speed as what I saw in that small Mulberry radio room back in the 1970s. is proving to be a valuable law enforcement tool, and allows our members to better serve And their answer was Live 911 – and it’s a game-changer. the citizens and communities they love.

Praise & Worship 508 South Highway 17-92 in Davenport. Services are being held in person and virtually. Visit thegatecog.com.

One Hope Church is gathering in person at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday and seats can be reserved on the website. Worship online at 10:30 a.m. Join the new churchwide Bible Reading Plan on the website too. Onehopechurch.org.

Confessors of Christ Church’s Sunday morning services are held at the Four Corners Upper School cafeteria at 11:03am. Informal meetings are held all week. To find out details, visit thisisc3.com. The school is located at 9160 Bella Citta Boulevard in Davenport.

63163 Start off the New Year right — read the Bible through in one year with Northridge Church. Visit northridgehc.com to learn more. Ash Wednesday is Feb. 17 and will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Catholic Church with the following services: 7:30 a.m. Mass - (Spanish); 9 a.m. Mass - (English) 11 a.m. - Parkview Christian Life Center in Haines City is now streaming all worship services. Distribution of Ashes only; Noon- Communion Service (English); 4 p.m. - Distribution The services are held on Sundays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. To watch, of Ashes only; 5:30 p.m. Mass - (English); 7 p.m. Mass - (Spanish). The church is located visit pclctheview.org. at 1311 Robinson Drive in Haines City. “Where Art Thou?” was the first question God asked man and is also the name of Ash Wednesday is Feb. 17 and Lamb of God Church at 10 a.m. will host prayer time the book written by Henry Babers, Sr. Babers is the pastor of Parkview Christian Life and self-serve communion; at 11 a.m. an Ash Service and at 7 p.m. an Ash Evening Center in Haines City. The book seeks to provide readers with answers from the word Service. The church is located at 901 Scenic Highway. of God that will reshape their lives in a Christ-like manner. Buy it on Amazon, BAM and Barnes & Noble. The Gate Church is a multicultural, spirit-filled, family-focused community of believer’s striving to love, connect and serve God and others.The church is located at Community of Faith, United Methodist Church has numerous virtual offerings. Meet Me In the Lobby is held on Zoom from 9:30 – 10 a.m. on Sundays. Other available virtual opportunities are children’s and youth groups, Bible studies, Wednesday and Sunday worship and more. The church is located at 9120 Teacher Lane in Davenport. For more info, visit www.communityoffaith.org.

Share your loved one’s story in an obituary today! Now meeting in person The Holy Nation Church, led by Pastor Luis R. Quiñones, provides a warm and spiritual service for the Hispanic community on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Haines City, located at 104 Scenic Highway.

Corpus Christi Catholic Church, located at 1050 Celebration Avenue in Celebration FOUR CORNERS NEWS-SUN — RSVP for Mass at https://www.corpuschristi.church.

Four Corners Baptist Church, located at 125 Cottonwood Drive in Davenport, hosts Contact Lora at Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., its Spanish S 7060 Havertys Way [email protected] Lakeland, FL 33805 863.533.4183 ext. 308 Page 18 FOUR CORNERS NEWS-SUN February 3, 2021 LASSIFIEDS

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Page 20 FOUR CORNERS NEWS-SUN February 3, 2021 Home Solution Lenders, Inc.

Why Rent WHEN YOU CAN OWN?

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