Wednesday, May 22, 2019 www.winterhavensun.com TAKE ONE IT’S FREE An Edition Of The Sun Leaders rally for Polk State’s Lake Wales campus By STEVEN RYZEWSKI Melony Bell at Executive Editor Tiger Bay The local state legislator spoke LAKE WALES — Local elected of- about her first legislative ficials, stakeholders, staff and other session last week. members of the community gath- PG 3 ered at Polk State College JD Alexan- der Center in downtown Lake Wales Thursday morning to advocate for the preservation of the recurring funding the campus receives from the state leg- islature. That amount — $2.5 million annu- ally — is critical for a campus where 44 percent of the 1,100 students served PHOTO PROVIDED there are qualify for need-based Pell Lasting impact A Polk County Fire Rescue firefighter fights the blaze that took the life of 76-year-old Lakeland resident Loretta Pickard on November 23, 2018. Grants. A group of local students took The state legislature, which recent- a trip to Guatemala and came ly concluded its spring session, did back with a new perspective. Report details tragedy, outlines way include funding in the budget it sent PG 6 to Governor Ron DeSantis — but it forward for Polk Fire Rescue was included as a separate line item. This, in theory, makes the item more By CHARLES A. BAKER III happened that night. Its conclusions include vulnerable to veto as DeSantis’ ad- Staff Writer that Polk County Fire Rescue’s call volume, ministration seeks to rein in the re- lack of leadership experience, lack of regular cord-setting budget received earlier POLK COUNTY – On November 23, training and lack of confidence in leadership this month. 2018, 76-year-old Loretta Pickard of Lake- may have played roles in the tragedy. Local leaders held the gathering to land called 911 and said she thought her log Former Polk County Fire Rescue Chief function as a megaphone of sorts to cabin was on fire. Tony Stravino resigned at the onset of a May make sure that DeSantis and his staff Back in the day Roughly 20 minutes later, the operator 7 public hearing to discuss the final report. CAMPUS | 4 Bob Gernert’s “Beneath the heard Pickard as she burned alive. Multiple Interim Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Chinaberry Tree” column for this week recalls Winter Haven firefighters were on scene at the time. Robert Weech, who was recently promoted in the 1960s. Three days later, in the aftermath of the to take over as chief, has called the investiga- PG 12 tragedy, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd tive report a road map for changes. asked County Manager Jim Freeman to look into the matter. What happened Good morning to: On May 6, a 242-page third party inves- “I’m here alone and I’m on a walker,” Pick- tigation of the incident was made public. ard told the emergency operator at the onset PHOTO BY STEVEN RYZEWSKI Elsa Huff Polk State College JD Alexander Campus was The report gives a thorough account of what of the fire. the subject of a press conference held last week, Thanks for reading! REPORT | 4 during which local leaders and a student made the case for its value to the community.

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2019_05_22_pw_01.pdf 1 21-May-19 19:30:27 Page 2 Wednesday, May 22, 2019 CALENDAR Air Potato Challenge Lake Wales Car Show audience participation. The Dueling Pianos Show fea- When: May 22, 2019 | Noon When: May 25, 2019 | 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. tures Joe Lupis and Andrew Percoco. Dueling Pianos Where: UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Where: Historic Downtown Lake Wales has become the most popular show in club hall over 1702 U.S. Highway 17 South, Bartow Held on the fourth Saturday of every month in Histor- the world. Polk County residents are invited to come out to the ic Downtown Lake Wales, the Lake Wales Car Show UF/IFAS Extension Polk County to learn more about features good food, music and door prizes. For more Ladies of Country at The Ritz invasive air potato and the air potato leaf beetle and to information, contact Larry or Cheryl Bossarte at (863) When: June 8, 2019 | 8 p.m. pick up a supply of beetles for use on their properties. 207-3402 or (863) 206-8686. Where: The Ritz Theatre Registration is required but the event is free. Registra- 263 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven tion can be completed at http://bit.ly/PolkAPCD. More Winter is Coming to the Gardens The Ritz Theatre presents “Ladies of Country,” with the information available by calling (863) 519-1041. When: May 25, 2019 | 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. Erica DiCeglie Band — a high-energy, sweet and soul- Where: Bok Tower Gardens ful (and sometimes sassy) revue, featuring the songs of Moonlight Market 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales country music’s all-time greatest female artists. With When: May 22, 2019 | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Do you drink and know things about Game of powerful, iconic ballads like Martina’s “Independence Where: Grove Roots Brewing Co. Thrones? Enjoy a live “Game of Thrones”-inspired Day,” and Lee Ann’s “I Hope You Dance,” to classic 302 3rd St. SW, Winter Haven carillon concert by Geert D’Hollander at 1 p.m. May hits like Loretta’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and Dolly’s Join us for the monthly Moonlight Market at Grove 25, take pictures with your favorite characters from “Jolene,” plus songs from Alison, Miranda, Faith and Roots Brewing in downtown Winter Haven. Coming the Florida Game of Thrones Cosplay Group, test your many more. Together with her talented band, Erica has in from all over Central Florida, vendors set up shop knowledge of the show during Triviosity from 2-4 opened for well-known country acts such as Lonestar just for you with items including handmade soy can- p.m. and munch out with a Thrones-inspired meal for and Diamond Rio. A recording artist, she recently dles, unique stained glass, honey, avocados, and freshly purchase. Festivities included in general admission released her latest EP, “My Blue,” which features two baked bread. Check the Grove Roots Brewing website and free for members. More information at boktower- original country songs, “Losin’ Ground,” and “First to see which food truck will be present. Swing on by, gardens.org. Love Feeling.” shop, sip and eat local. Haines City’s Memorial Day Ceremony Legislative Wrap Up Breakfast Bartow Ford’s Blue Lives Matter Luncheon When: May 27, 2019 | 9 a.m. When: June 13, 2019 | 8 a.m. When: May 23, 2019 | 11 a.m. Where: Military Court of Honor - Railroad Park Where: Cypress Golf & Country Club Clubhouse Where: Bartow Ford 502 E. Main St., Haines City 1099 Clubhouse Road, Winter Haven 2800 U.S. 98, Bartow Haines City invites attendees to remember those who Join the Winter Haven, Lake Wales and Northeast Bartow Ford Company is hosting a luncheon to honor served. Light refreshments will be served immediately Polk Chambers of Commerce as they once again host the heroes of Polk County – local law enforcement. following ceremony. For more information, contact a collaborative Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast fea- Local law enforcement agents from around the county Haines City Parks & Recreation at (863) 421-3700. turing our local state representatives and senators to will be the guests of honor and they will be served a discuss what happened during this legislative session barbecue lunch at the dealership. While the lunch is Central Florida Health Expo and their thoughts on the direction of Florida under new state leadership. Tickets are $20 and include for law enforcement personnel only, the public is invit- When: May 31, 2019 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. breakfast. ed to show their support for the heroes who protect us Where: International Market World Flea daily. and Farmers Market Coffee & Conversation 1052 U.S. Highway 92, Auburndale When: June 20, 2019 | 8:30 a.m. The Central Florida Health Expo is the premier event Where: Winter Haven Chamber Auditorium for health-conscious adults. The event will feature free 401 Ave. B NW, Winter Haven Winter Haven Sun health screenings, door prize drawings, healthcare “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” A strong 99 3rd St. NW, education, health insurance enrollment and entertain- network of neighborhoods that are active, collabo- Winter Haven, FL 33881 ment. The event is free to the public and everyone is rative and welcoming can help drive prosperity for welcome. a community. The team at the City of Winter Haven Phone (863) 533-4183 For more details about the event as well as a list of recognizes this fact and is embarking on a neighbor- www.yoursun.com/polk participating firms visit visit www.centralfloridamedia- hoods initiative to reengage, revitalize and reinforce group.com/events. our neighborhoods as the cornerstone for our future Classified Ads:[email protected] success. Join City Manager Mike Herr, Growth Man- Legals: [email protected] Dueling Pianos agement Director Eric Labbe, Senior Planner Anita Obituaries: [email protected] When: June 1, 2019 | 8 p.m. Silwal and Public Safety Director Chief Charlie Bird News or Events to: [email protected] Where: Historic Ritz Theater as they speak about their outcome-driven plan to 263 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven improve Winter Haven’s neighborhood communities. This is the “Good Time” interactive, entertainment VP & Group Publisher General Manager explosion of the New Millennium. Two accomplished Timothy D. Smolarick Kim Edwards pianists, and veteran singers/comedians sailing full- Got an event you would like to 813.951.0450 [email protected] steam ahead through a non-stop show featuring a see listed in this calendar? Executive Editor Office Manager variety of music, special dedications, comedy and Steven Ryzewski Lora Belue Email events to: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Page 3 COUNTY Melony Bell speaks at Tiger Bay about legislative session By CHARLES A. BAKER III ing sausage.” One of the bills that got Staff Writer debated on the House floor this year involved mandating parental consent BARTOW – State Rep. Melony Bell (R – Bartow) re- for abortion. She said she voted for cently finished her first state legislative session and she the bill, even though she didn’t sup- spoke about the experience May 14 at a Tiger Bay of port the eight amendments that were Polk County luncheon. attached to the bill. After 14 years on the City of Fort Meade City Commis- “I think that was a 2 o’clocker in the sion and another eight years as a county commissioner, morning — one where we go to the Bell was elected to represent much of the southern half Senate and they kept coming back- of the county in the Florida House in November. and-forth to us (with amendments),” She described her experience since then as “hum- Bell said. bling.” One bill had 48 amendments, she “It was literally like drinking from a fire hose,” Bell recalled. Thousands of bills were de- said. “There was so much information that was being bated and hundreds passed, including fed to me.” $25 million to Hurricane Michael re- Starting March 1, Bell was in Tallahassee for 60 days covery efforts, $686 million for Ever- — sometimes working from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. She said glades restoration and more money PHOTO BY CHARLES A. BAKER III for education, specifically supporting State Rep. Melony Bell spoke about her first legislative session at a Tiger Bay of Polk County getting appropriations for the county and getting her luncheon May 14. bills passed was challenging, often being reminded that charter schools. she was a freshman lawmaker. After opening remarks, Bell took When asked about Adam Putnam being defeated in “(The legislature) is leadership top-driven,” Bell said. questions from those in attendance. She said her most the Florida Republican Primary last summer, Bell said Transitioning from working out problems with a few difficult vote was against putting term limits on local she had been looking forward to the possibility of work- other commissioners locally to discussing thousands of school board members. Bell said she favored term limits ing with Putnam but she has since supported Gov. Ron bills with 119 other members of the Florida House was but thought it best that those decisions be made at the DeSantis. a learning experience, she explained. Bell had one of her local level. Bell’s first vote as a member of the Florida House was bills debated on the House floor — a proposal to create a On Amendment Four, an amendment to the Florida in favor of Floridians being able to smoke medical mar- license plate to benefit beekeepers. She said she also pro- Constitution making it legal for some convicted felons ijuana. She said her daughter was surprised at the vote. posed bills to allow college students to opt out of jury to get their voting rights restored after completion of “I didn’t think I would ever vote for that and I did — duty and to provide grants to support young farmers. sentencing, Bell said she supported a bill that would re- that was one of his initiatives,” Bell said. “It’s what the Bell said some of the legislative session was like “mak- store rights only after restitution costs were paid in full. people wanted.” TrustcoBank.com A warm welcome home for your finances.

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Discover more at your local branch, visit us online at TrustcoBank.com Page 4 Wednesday, May 22, 2019 ON THE COVER REPORT FROM PAGE 1 Polk County Fire Rescue Engine 6, in north Lakeland, flames when they first arrived, particularly the rear of the cies that help fire victims, numbers to call for various was dispatched to the fire in a backup fire truck that did cabin and the side of the cabin where a power pole was services and advice on how to handle a tragedy. not have a properly working radio. Former PCFR Cap- arching. Trees overhead were catching on fire, also, and The investigation reveals that many Polk County Fire tain James Williams, an engineer and a firefighter start- dropping hot embers all over the property. Rescue first responders have been negatively affected by ed the 7.3 mile drive to the burning home, in the rural Two doors to the cabin appeared to be blocked. Over the recent negative attention from this situation. Rockridge area of the county. the radio, Williams said when Engine 23 arrived there The investigators interviewed around 30 staff and con- First responders could hear the dispatcher on the ra- would be enough first responders to do a rescue attempt. cluded that “a majority of these officers were concerned dio, but could not see what the operator was typing into When Engine 23 arrived, the officer in charge agreed with officer training, mentoring and development.” the system. that the fire was too out of control to go inside the cabin. The investigators evaluated 634,144 PCFR records The dispatcher said several times that a person was Radio traffic indicated that those on scene still were not from 2015 to 2018 and concluded that, of the 32 fire trapped inside the building but the investigation con- sure that someone was trapped inside, even though their stations and 13 EMS stations in the county, 11 of those cluded that Williams may have been overwhelmed at the dispatcher had repeatedly said there was. stations have staff who are out on calls more than 30 per- time — that he was confused and that this information Approximately 20 seconds after Engine 23 arrived, the cent of the time. did not sink in. The investigation revealed that Williams operator heard Pickard perish. Three minutes after the “As the population ages, this will create an increase in was promoted recently and also that he did not have Engine 23 officer ruled that the fire was out of control, a service demand for emergency medical services which much experience. Williams did not bring any tools that battalion commander made the same conclusion. are already struggling to meet current demand,” the re- could have helped him breach inside the home, for ex- “The possibility does exist that there was a very short port concluded. ample, and he did not order his engineer or firefighter to period of time when the living space of the home could According to officials, both county fire stations in drive a water tender truck to the fire along side Engine 6. have still been entered by responders and a rescue at- Winter Haven are included among the 11 determined to The log cabin, surrounded by tall trees, filled up with tempt made,” the investigators concluded. “It must also be overworked. One of the Winter Haven stations has smoke as Engine 6 raced to the scene. The operator told be stated though that due to the escalation of the fire at two EMS units assigned, both of which are overworked. Pickard help was on the way and instructed her to get this point, the chances of this rescue attempt being suc- The same is true for the two stations in Haines City. down on the floor where there was less smoke. Pickard cessful was improbable, and a high probability exists that The remaining stations referenced are near Lakeland. told the operator that she was unable to get on the floor, this incident could have claimed the lives of two fire- Last year the county commission voted to increase that she had lost her walker, and that she had sat down fighters if they became disoriented in the smoke or if the property taxes by around $120 million over the course of on a dining room chair. Pickard told the operator that structure collapsed while they were inside.” 10 years, mostly to address call volume of fire and EMS she could not get outside of her home. The report further concluded that, “Although the tech- calls. Recently, Polk County Commission Chairman As Engine 6 got close, responders realized no address nical processing of this call was not perfect, it was quite George Lindsey said the public should expect new fire was displayed on the road. Staff on Engine 23, which was good given the extraordinary circumstances.” impact fees ordinances this October. also responding to the fire, suggested they try going up a Media reports surrounding this tragedy have largely Explosive population growth in the county is causing dirt road using landmarks. It was challenging to get the painted Polk Fire Rescue in a negative light, particular- problems similar to this. And, as the Polk community fire truck up the tree-lined, 1000-foot dirt road. Seeing ly with regard to allegations that Williams used his cell continues to grapple with the tragedy, leaders are com- the flames, the first three firefighters on scene realized phone to post video of the fire on social media. mitting to harnessing its lessons as a means to improve. they had found the fire but they could not get the fire The Pickard family has filed a confidential legal peti- “The Board of County Commissioners is committed truck beyond a narrow Whispering Pines Ranch sign. tion for wrongful death. Williams, Stravino and a second to addressing each of the 24 recommendations for im- The closest fire hydrant was 6.5 miles away. firefighter all resigned. provement,” Lindsey said. “I have also asked that the con- Williams ordered his engineer to start laying fire hose sultants return in 18-24 months to review our progress. down the 300-foot driveway and ordered his firefighter Lessons learned I do not want this single incident to define this depart- to help him walk around the cabin to assess the situa- Polk County Fire Rescue has a brochure that it hands ment and its dedicated staff who answer over 100,000 tion. Williams reported the house was half engulfed in out to fire victims called “After the fire,” which lists agen- calls per year.” CAMPUS FROM PAGE 1 recognize the value of the campus in the rural area of “The students told me ‘Dr. Falconetti we just can’t get campus and the availability of night classes enabled him southeast Polk County. there — we can’t get to Winter Haven and we can’t get to to, as a working adult, go back to school. “What we have here is invaluable — not only to the Lakeland,’” Falconetti said. “It was so convenient here,” Walker said. “I began col- development of our economy, but to the lives of the Fultz spoke and cited the campus — located promi- lege because I knew I was a teacher at heart and I wasn’t students that we are changing,” said Polk State College nently on Central Avenue — and its students as vital to getting any fulfillment driving a truck.” President Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti. the City of Lake Wales’ efforts to economically reinvigo- Polk State’s Lake Wales Campus has been a family in- Falconetti spoke along with Lake Wales Mayor Eu- rate its downtown corridor. stitution for Walker, as his wife recently graduated from gene Fultz and Marcus Walker, a student at the campus. “We are right in the middle of revitalization of the there and his daughter, who attends the University of Falconetti cited statistics about the 1,100 students that downtown area,” Fultz said. “We’re thinking of the stu- North Carolina, dual-enrolled there when she was a stu- attend classes in at the Lake Wales Campus, including dents here at Polk State when we start talking about cof- dent at Lake Wales High. that 53 percent are ethnic minorities, that the majority fee shops and we start talking about evening functions Falconetti, who served on DeSantis’ transition team, of students are women and that, among those women, ... those businesses are going to be patronized by these expressed confidence that the governor would preserve 20 percent age 18-24 are living below the poverty level. students here at Polk State College.” the funding — but nevertheless urged the community In short, one of the recurring themes Falconetti has The final speaker was Walker, a student at Polk State to be vocal about supporting it. heard in talks with students who attend JD Alexander is who shared his own story of how the campus has helped “I’m just hopeful that the governor will preserve our that, if the campus were not there, transportation chal- him. Walker, who is 39 and married with a family, was facility — and I believe he will,” she said. “So we turn to lenges would keep them from attending college at all. previously a truck driver. He said the proximity of the him in this time for his continued leadership.” Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Page 5 School board moves charter school application forward despite concerns with lobbyist’s actions By CHARLES A. BAKER III Ralph Arza mailed Polk County School Board members Polk County School Board member Billy Townsend Staff Writer Lisa Miller and Sara Fortney letters that both school called the vote “cowardly,” saying the vote was not on board members described as threatening. the May 15 agenda and that the public had a right to POLK COUNTY – BridgePrep Academy is a charter The letters read, in part,“When you took an oath of be made aware of the vote. Townsend used words like school corporation that owns more than a dozen char- office you swore to uphold the constitution and laws of “racist” to describe Arza. ter schools across the state. the State of Florida. Your position of being opposed to “They want him speaking for them,” Townsend said. BridgePrep staff recently applied to open a multi-lin- charter schools is not a justifiable reason to oppose the “Do you think they would give two darns about your gual charter school in south Lakeland. The Polk County BridgePrep application.” kids? Look what they are doing to elected officials?” Schools Charter Review Committee recently voted 11-1 In a work session before the school board meeting Polk County School Board member Lisa Miller said to recommend the Polk County School Board deny the on May 15, Polk County Schools lawyer Wes Bridges Arza cost BridgePrep her vote. application. The committee concluded that another told the board that if they wanted to vote on the matter “That (letter) just cost Mr. Arza and his company an- school in south Lakeland was not needed and that there again, they would have to do so that night to avoid any other vote because I won’t change my mind,” Miller said. were no local board members, among other concerns. state appeal. Polk County School Board member Sara Fortney al- On April 23 Polk County School Superintendent During the work session, Polk County School Board leged that Arza was stalking her and asked the Bartow Jacqueline Byrd made a recommendation to the Polk Chair Lynn Wilson told the board he would only en- Police Department to follow her home May 15. County School Board not to deny the application, say- tertain a motion for a re-vote that night. At the onset of Polk County School Board member Sara Beth Reyn- ing that staff had made progress in contract negotiations the school board meeting, Polk County School Board olds and the remaining school board members said it and that BridgePrep staff were open to addressing local member Kay Fields, who was absent from the April 23 made sense to continue contract negotiations and get a concerns. vote, filed a motion for a revote. school built in the Davenport area, as opposed to losing That day, the board voted 3-3 and afterward a letter The school board voted 4-3 to allow Byrd more time at appeal and having another school built in Lakeland. was sent to BridgePrep staff saying their application was to negotiate a contract acceptable to all parties. Polk County School Board Chair Lynn Wilson was not approved. State law says BridgePrep staff only have “That was my stance (April 23) and that will still be the deciding vote. Wilson described Arza’s letters as “in- a certain amount of time to file an appeal. my stance (May 15) because I know the northeast (area credibly inappropriate” but thought a school should be On May 7, Florida Charter School Alliance lobbyist of Polk County),” Byrd said during the work session. not judged by the actions of its lobbyist.

PHOTO BY CHARLES A. BAKER III Lake Region High Construction Academy students Nicholas Maze and Jacob Overmiller presented Polk County Schools Superintendent Jacqueline Byrd with a “Byrd House” May 15. There are now five construc- tion academies. PHOTO BY CHARLES A. BAKER III Polk County students raised more than $100,000 for the United Way of Central Florida over the past year.  Students at Spessard Holland Elementary in Bartow raised the most money overall with $7231.77 — $700 more than they raised last year. Students at Fort Meade Middle Senior High raised $2,230, the most mon- ey for a combo school.

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2019_05_22_pw_05.pdf 1 21-May-19 19:30:41 WinterPage 6 Haven Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Mission trip abroad provides valuable life lessons for local students

By ANITA TODD happiness.” Contributing Writer Williams said that she heard comments from the stu- dents such as “I never knew places like this even exist- WINTER HAVEN — When a group of 11 teenag- ed” and “I thought I knew what poverty was until I got ers from Winter Haven Christian School arrived home here.” from a week-long mission trip to Guatemala, they The group even asked if they could stay another week. physically looked the same as when they left. “They saw an 8-year-old girl who watches her sibling They will tell you, though, that the results of the trip every day while the parents go to work,” Williams said. they were returning from were on the inside. “That girl mothers the one-year-old every day. Our kids The teens gave up their cell phones and iPads to focus were amazed because they didn’t have any responsibil- on the welcoming tribe of happy faces in the Central ities at that age.” American country. They, along with six adult chaper- Upon returning home and school, the students were ones, visited the country May 4 to 11 to provide box required to create a presentation for their peers about gardens for three homes, conduct three different chil- the trip, a task that was taken to with enthusiasm. dren’s ministries, build two homes complete with some “There is one particular student who is very reserved furnishings, install 15 water filters in homes, and serve normally,” Williams explained. “Everyone was amazed the homeless at a shelter. that he shared his experiences so readily.” Jeannette Williams, the school’s principal who was Students are in agreement that the trip changed their also an organizer and chaperone for the trip, said be- lives and most want to go again. Madison Sellers, one of fore departure that helping the people of Antiqua — a the students who went on the trip, plans to take it a step small village near Guatemala City — would be about further — she will begin training to be a midwife in the sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and also about fall and, ultimately, a missionary in Central America. expanding the worldview of the students. “The trip changed my perspective. It really was “They got it. They got the idea that things aren’t life-changing,” Sellers said. “Since eighth grade I have about them and their comfort. They were able to put wanted to be a missionary. Then, last year, I decided to PHOTO PROVIDED aside their needs to help meet someone else’s needs,” become a midwife — there is such a need down there.” Ryan Rannow gives a Guatemalan child a ride on his shoulders Williams said. “They saw how the people of Guatema- Williams said that she plans to take another group of during the mission trip. la, who literally have nothing, are full of pure joy and seniors next year making it the fifth year in a row. Woman’s Club awards scholarships JOIN THE BEST TEAM IN STEEL

COME LEARN ABOUT NUCOR We are looking for motivated CAREER FAIR PHOTO PROVIDED teammates ready to take on new Lake Region High senior Sylvia Andrade, left, and Winter Haven High seniors Imari Harvin and Alexis Ganzy were challenges while building their awarded college scholarships by the Woman’s Club of Winter Haven during a banquet May 2. President Jane McGin- careers with North America’s most nis, second from right, also welcomed the club’s newest members Delores Barton, Sharron Davis and Sheila Leavey. diversifi ed steel and steel products SOUTH FLORIDA company. Nucor offers industry- leading pay and benefi ts, and has STATE COLLEGE been recognized as one of the nation’s best employers. Friday, May 31, 2019 NUCOR HIGHLIGHTS 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Safety leader in the industry • Competitive pay, including bonuses and profi t-sharing 600 West College Drive • No-layoff practice • No industrial experience Avon Park, Florida required AVAILABLE POSITIONS • Mechanical INJURY LAW • Electrical • Administration 683-1111 • OFFICES: POLK COUNTY • Entry Level Production LILLYBROWNLAW.COM Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Page 7 Mystery developer seeks to build VOTED #1 Mortgage 472 apartments downtown Lender By CHARLES A. BAKER III Staff Writer WINTER HAVEN – A confidential renewed the tax incentive program for developer has initiated the process of another three years. getting city permits to build 472 apart- Advisory board member Jessie Skub- ments at an undisclosed downtown lo- na asked the board whether CRA dollars cation. could be budgeted to help support out- Winter Haven Growth Manager Eric door music concerts in Magnolia Park. Labbe, recently promoted from planning Labbe said this may be allowed, but manager when Merle Bishop announced asked for time so city staff could review his retirement, told the Winter Hav- the proposal. Skubna said JJ Grey and en Community Redevelopment Agen- MoFro will be playing Saturday, Septem- ATTENTION cy Downtown Advisory Board that the ber 7 and Badfish September 8. apartments would be built on the same Advisory board member Tinia Clark piece of property. submitted a proposed application for Realtors and Home Buyers! The developer applied for $5,000 a Winter Haven water tower project. A Agents help your clients close fast and save money! per unit tax credits for building in the few months ago, the board discussed the downtown area. City leaders provide tax possibility of turning the downtown wa- incentives to developers to encourage ter tower into a giant, red wind-up toy. Get pre-Approved. QUICK CLOSE more residential growth in the down- Clarke said she has been talking about Mortgage Options as GREAT RATES town area. other options for the tower, including low as 0% down* The paperwork submitted stated the projecting images on to it. developer would remain confidential for City staff and the city attorney will a year unless otherwise disclosed. need to review the document before the Home Solution Lenders, INC. On May 13, the advisory board also proposal could move forward. YOUR FLORIDA LENDER “Making Dreams come 7 Rivers Water Festival splashes True since 2008” into Central Park Voted Best of the Best 2018 On May 11, families from around Winter Haven and beyond converged on Cen- tral Park for the 7 Rivers Water Festival. • FHA • VA • USDA The free event featured a children’s art contest, a recycled fashion show, educa- • Conventional • Bond tional opportunities, boat rides and live animals. • Construction • Refinance Organizers hoped that the event could provide an opportunity to learn about how and why organizations involved with conservation, recreation and pollution HSLenders.com prevention work together to save water, money and the environment. 863.607.HOME (4663) — PHOTOS BY 1445 E. Main Street BILL SIEGEL Bartow, Florida 33830

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Kids of all ages had a blast at the 7 Rivers Water Festival. NMLS ID: 327291 • Lic Florida MLD954 Page 8 Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Bartow City commission selects Billy Simpson as mayor

for their support. Cup Team and was non-playing captain of the 1987 and Simpson added that he looks forward to “a bright, 1989 U.S. Walker Cup Teams and the 2010 U.S. World bright and brighter year.” Amateur Team. He was raised in Lakeland. With Simpson taking over the mayor’s role, commis- Tickets to the luncheon are $10 apiece. Go to www. sioners then presented Longworth with a plaque com- bartowvillaclassic.com for information and registra- memorating his year serving as mayor. It was the fifth tion forms. time Longworth served a year-long term as mayor. Money raised from the tournament goes to the Polk Other proclamations at the city commission meeting County Sheriff’s Office’s Youth Villa. Located on State on Monday, May 6, included: recognizing May 18 as Road 60 in Bartow, it is a residential site operated by Kids to Parks Day; proclaiming the month of May as the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. It houses about 30 Community Action Month; proclaiming May 12-18 as girls, between the age of 8 and 18, who have been aban- Police Week; proclaiming May 6-12 as Nurses Week; doned or abused, or are struggling academically and PHOTO BY JEFF ROSLOW proclaiming May as Civility Month; and proclaiming socially. City Attorney Sean Parker, left, gives the oath of office to Billy Simp- May 22-29 as the Sheriff’s Youth Villa Classic 56th An- son on Monday, May 6, at the Bartow City Commission meeting. Holding the Bible is Simpson’s wife, Carolyn. nual Golf Tournament. “This can’t happen without the city of Bartow,” said By JEFF ROSLOW Karen Guffey who has helped organize the tournament PUT TWO RINGS ON IT! Contributing Writer for 32 years. This year’s event, which takes place at the Bartow BARTOW – In a meeting dominated by proclama- Municipal Golf Course at 190 S. Idlewild Ave., had a tions and announcements, the Bartow City Commis- Sponsor & Patron Golf Scramble set for Tuesday, May sion installed the winner of the recent city commission 21. Today, there is a Civic Luncheon featuring three- election May 6 and then voted unanimously for him to time tournament winner Fred Ridley at the Bartow be mayor for the next year. Civic Center at 11:30 a.m. Vice Mayor Billy Simpson won his April 2 election Today and Thursday, the Women’s Tournament over Tanya Tucker to earn his second three-year term. and Luncheon takes place at the golf course. On Fri- Last week, commissioners voted 5-0 to make him may- day night, there is a kickoff dinner at the Bartow Golf or for the next year. Course and the men’s tournament takes place Saturday, Following that vote, Commissioner James Clements May 25, through Monday, May 27. nominated Commissioner Scott Sjoblom to be vice Ridley won the tournament in 1971, 1972 and 1974. mayor. He, likewise, was elected to the position unan- In his golfing career, he competed in 15 USGA champi- imously. onships from 1969 to 1988, including 10 U.S. Amateurs PHOTO BY JEFF ROSLOW Simpson and outgoing Mayor Leo Longworth and he competed in three Masters Tournaments (1976- The Bartow High Competitive Cheerleading team was presented with switched seats and name tags to signify the change. 78). He played in the U.S. Open and the British Open two championship rings — one for the team’s world championship “Okay, let’s get back to work,” Simpson joked imme- Championship. He was a playing member of the 1976 and one for its national championship — at a ceremony at Bartow diately after, before thanking his fellow commissioners U.S. World Amateur Team and the 1977 U.S. Walker Golf Course last week. Bake a Sweet Treat for the Graduate! Honey Cinnamon Rollups

DIRECTIONS INGREDIENTS 2 cups ground walnuts, toasted 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Combine walnuts, sugar and cinnamon. 1/4 cup sugar 2. Place one sheet of phyllo dough on a 15x12-in. piece of waxed paper; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon brush with butter. Place a second phyllo sheet on top, brushing it with 12 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed butter. (Keep remaining phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.) Sprinkle with 1/4 cup walnut mixture. Using waxed 1/2 cup butter, melted paper, roll up tightly jelly-roll style, starting with a long side, removing Syrup: paper as you roll. Slice roll into four smaller rolls; transfer rolls to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Repeat with remaining phyllo dough and 1/2 cup Leighton’s honey 1/4 cupfuls of walnut mixture. Bake until light brown, 14-16 minutes. 1/2 cup sugar Cool dish on a wire rack. 1/2 cup water 3. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine all syrup ingredients. Bring 1 tablespoon lemon juice to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes. Cool 10 minutes. Drizzle cinnamon rolls with syrup; sprinkle with remaining walnut mixture.

Call For The Center • Nature’s Sweetener Leighton’s Pure Honey! • Nature’s Energy Food Nearest To You All Natural, • Nature’s Skin Care No Additives, Kosher! • Nature’s Cough Suppressant Look for Leighton’s Honey 855-234-8420 at your local grocery store 863-422-1773 Over 20 Locations! www.leightonshoney.com cmmdr.com www.FB.com/LeightonsHoney Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Page 9 Bartow High culinary team headed to West Coast to compete By CATHY PALMER salind Chan. that championship trophy. Contributing Writer “We’re really excited to go and represent our school,” Rosalind Chan said the Polk County School Board says Taylor. has underwritten their plane tickets to the contest, but Three Bartow High School chefs are stewing, baking It may be the first national competition for the team, they have to come up with the rest. and chopping their way to a national culinary cook-off but culinary arts students at Bartow High are no strang- Donations may be made to the high school’s Culi- in California next month. er to cooking under pressure, according to the culinary nary Arts academy by check or cash. Jasmine Chan, Cody Taylor and Jaclyn Macknosky arts director. have been busy cooking up a storm and they hope their “Our students have competed in three different com- Editor’s note: Jaclyn Macknosky was unavailable on the efforts will earn them a national title handed out annu- petitions, but this is probably the most prestigious,” day team members were interviewed and photographed ally by the Family, Career and Community Leaders of Rosalind Chan said. “This one is kind of like ‘Chopped,’ for this story. America National Leadership Conference. but they know in advance what their ingredients are, The conference is being held this year in Anaheim, and have the basic recipes.” Calif., from June 26 to July 5. While most of their time out west will be spent over This year, the trio will be creating Chicken Supreme, a hot stove, the girls will also have time for a side trip Ratatouille (a vegetable stew), Creamed celeriac and to nearby Disneyland — but they won’t be standing in Brussels Sprouts and Paris Brest, a dessert featuring a line for rides. light pastry filled with tasty pastry cream. “We’ll be cooking with (Disney’s) chefs and learning According to Rosalind Chan, Culinary Arts Direc- about how they do things in their kitchens,” says Taylor. tor for the Bartow High academy, the students were “It’s going to be exciting.” provided a menu and will have an hour to prepare the The trio has become a cohesive team and have been four-item menu. cooking together for three years, they explained. “(They) are given only an outline on how to prepare “By this time, we can see what each other is thinking them, so it’s a real challenge,” the director explained. and know what to do to help each other out,” Jasmine To get to nationals, the two juniors and a senior had says. to finish first in both the district contests and the state Interestingly, Taylor says she doesn’t plan on a career finals. The BHS team took top honors in both. in the kitchen, unless it’s cooking in a firehouse. She Macknosky, the senior, opted for the entree, with explains that she’s not only enrolled in the Culinary Taylor, a junior, taking on the two side dishes and Jas- Arts Academy, but is dual enrolled in the Medical and PHOTO BY CATHY PALMER mine Chan, also a junior, tackling the dessert. Fire Service Academy, too. Bartow High students Cody Taylor and Jasmine Chan prepare Paris The students last week were honing Jasmine Chan’s The younger Chan, however, has her eyes on a sweet Brest, a cream-filled pastry, which is one of the items they will serve at work on the dicey Paris Brest dessert. future. the upcoming FCCLA National Championship in California. “This uses a basic puff pastry base and is filled with a “I want to open a bakery of my own or be a pastry pastry cream,” Jasmine Chan explained. chef somewhere, maybe “They had to tweak the recipe because the recipe’s both,” she says. pastry cream was coming out too watery,” adds the se- Not only are the culi- WORSHIP DIRECTORY nior Chan, who is not only Jasmine’s instructor, but her nary artists from Bartow discover a place of worship near you proud mother, too. High cooking up a storm, The process has involved plenty of trial-and-error, as but they are also trying to Freewill Baptist Church one might expect. come up with the $3,500 New Life Holy Cross Pastor, Mike Scorsome Episcopal Church “We just keep working to refine them and make sure they need to make the 1125 Hwy 17 South BAPTIST CHURCH Bartow, FL 201 Kipling Lane we offer the judges the best-tasting dishes we can,” Tay- trip, says Culinary Arts • Sunday School 10 am lor said. Instructor and Academy 33830 Winter Haven, FL 33884 863.533.4734 • Morning Worship 11 am 863-324-4021 At the competition, the students will have just 60 Director Rosalind Chan. • Sunday Evening 6 pm holycrosswinterhaven.com minutes to prep, cook and plate their dishes before In addition to last week’s KJV Fundamental Premilennial • Wed Evening 7 pm Rev. Deke Miller, Vicar serving them to a panel of corporate chefs who will garage sale, the students *KJV Bible Preaching Sunday Worship •Southern Gospel Music Only *Hymns & Spiritual Songs judge their efforts and determine which team will take are accepting donations Pastor Maurice Thompson Rite I 8:00 a.m. home the honors. to help them fly their way •Sunday School 10:00 am Rite II with Music 10:00 a.m. •Sunday Morning 11:00 am 624 North Ingraham Ave This is the first time the Bartow High cooking team into the FCCLA’s kitch- Lakeland, FL 33801 Children’s Chapel and has made it to the national competition, explained Ro- ens in hopes of snagging •Sunday Night 6:00 pm Sunday School •Wednesday Night 7:00 pm 863.229.6337 During 10:00 service “ALL WELCOME” Wednesday Night Dinner

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10TH Anniversary Swing for the Cure Golf Tournament & Cocktail Party

Thank You Sponsors and Teams The Cassidy Family

A&E Auto Body, Inc. Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka Pinworx Bowling International Arabellas Ristorante Hill Nissan Polk State College Bob Paul, Inc. Keller Mechanical & Engineering Power Transportation, Inc. The Cassidy Family Morgan Stanley – Scheck/Lewis Group Raysway, Inc. CenterState Oakley Transport, Inc. Southeast Construction Management, Inc. Counter Ag Services, LLC Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club DC Apparel for Children Winter Haven Hospital Dr. Paul Morin – Bond Clinic Over the Hill Gang Winter Haven Sun The Drawshank Redemption

Additional Sponsors:

A&E Auto Body, Inc. Dynamic Wealth Management New Electric, LLC BB&T Echemendia Law Group Real Estate Title Services, Inc. Centennial Bank Jahna Foundation Party Rentals Unlimited CenterState Lasseigne & Ladner, PA – Attorneys at Law

Special thanks to:

Art’s Golf Cars, Inc. Lasater Flowers Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club Coca-Cola Florida Jill’s Cashbox Sysco Dunkin Donuts of Winter Haven McDonald’s Winter Haven Hospital Foundation

For more information, contact: Josh Lewis (863) 287-2106 WHH Foundation (863) 292-4138 [email protected] Find us on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Page 11 CROSSWORD

WE NEED TO TALK

AN OPIOID PROBABLY ISN’T THE ANSWER. The CDC now recommends opioids be reserved for cancer and end-of-life care. Other pain can often be better treated with the right combinations and doses of safer alternatives.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about opioids and their alternatives.

6SRQVRUHGE\ 3UHYHQWLRQ'HSDUWPHQW  Page 12 Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Inwood Escapades of the Early 1960s

As I wrote last week, contained something like kerosene -- it may not have as much of him. my family moved to Win- been our best decision. His stepfather, ter Haven in September Just down 28th Street to Havendale you’d find the Henry Zibelin, of 1960. “Jump n’ Jimmy” trampoline center (short-lived due opened Winter The northwestern Ohio to lawsuits, I’m sure) and the nearby “Dog and Suds” Haven’s first farm town I came from drive-in (now Dino’s). Many Biltmore Shores kids Honda deal- boasted less than 800 remember stopping for 5 cent root beer on the way ership on the residents. Inwood, as a home from school. Several streets to the west was the southwest cor- neighborhood, and Win- Havendale Lanes bowling alley, and later LaCarousel ner of Avenue G ter Haven, as a communi- Roller Rink. and 26th Street, ty, were “the big city” by A block from my home lived a teenager several NW. Henry comparison. years older than me. Richard Carr became an amazing sold a gazillion Beneath the As I finished the sixth friend. A tall, lanky boy he taught me to swim and to Honda 50s and Chinaberry Tree grade, the neighborhood water ski in Lake Cannon. larger. Before I adventures were many. Though Richard was known to approach my mother left Westwood, I Bob Gernert Within bike-riding dis- outside and ask her to guess what was under his shirt -- owned Richard’s tance was the brand-new and then produce a snake, much to her dismay — my red hand-me- Westwood Junior High School, where early physical parents trusted him to look after me. down Honda 50. PHOTOS PROVIDED education classes amounted to walking shoulder to He introduced me to Boy Scout Troop 559. I loved These are just Many 60s era kids remember stopping at the shoulder clearing the athletic area of palmetto stumps scouting and I had three amazing Scout Masters in a few of the Dog and Suds for a 5-cent root beer after school. The restaurant has long since been and other debris. It only took an hour to get completely George Hardy, Gene Murrell and Don Primm. Richard escapades I can known as Dino’s. filthy. and I also would canoe on the lakes. I remember one record without To the current enrollment — you’re welcome! excursion we paddled to the canal between Lake Mir- fear of legal action. I suppose I could write more but if And while I have fond memories of many of the ror and Lake Spring. At the time, none of the homes you didn’t grow up there, it might be a bit boring. Westwood teachers, a favorite was English teacher had been built behind Northgate. We made our own “excitement” in what I remember Hazel Miller. She admitted to loving “Mad Magazine,” The Perrin Thompson citrus groves were still in as a simpler time. earning her cult status immediately. place and an old map of their property marked the Down the street, the Allor boys raised pigeons, as south side of that canal as “The Jungle.” Amazingly we did neighbor friends Frankie and Johnny Carson. We camped there by the shore of the canal (there was no sometimes camped out near a friends home and when wall at the time) and you had no idea that a thriving the “mosquito truck” would come by spewing a cloud shopping center was a stone’s throw away. of white spray, we ran behind it for fun! That cloud Across Lake Spring from our campsite was a large neon sign with blinking arrow pointing to the Land- mark Motor Lodge, then located where Spring Lake FLORIDA SEMINOLES Shopping Center is today. The sign rested atop an old POSTCARDS AND PERCEPTIONS boat house and, the last time I looked, the cement A traveling exhibit from the pilings are still there along Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum the shore. When Richard went off A classic photo of an early 1960s Honda 50 sold by Winter Haven’s MARCH 26 - MAY 31, 2019 to high school I didn’t see first Honda dealer, Henry Zibelin.

Unemployment rate dips to 3.4 percent

By NEWS SERVICE The new numbers keep increase. The Miami-Mi- OF FLORIDA Florida below the national ami Beach-Kendall area unemployment rate of 3.6 grew by 27,800 jobs, a Florida’s unemploy- percent. 2.3 percent increase, and ment rate dropped slight- Among the categories the Tampa-St. Peters- ly from March to April, of jobs that did well last burg-Clearwater area according to numbers re- month were education added 24,700 jobs, a 1.8 Special Speaker Presentation by ANDREW FRANK leased Friday by the state and health services and percent increase. ‘†‡”„›”ƒ†‹–‹‘ǣ ‘˜ƒ–‹‘ƒ†–Š‡ Department of Economic leisure and hospitality. The Panama City area, Opportunity. Manufacturing and infor- which continues to recov- ”ƒ•ˆ‘”ƒ–‹‘‘ˆ–Š‡‡‹‘Ž‡—Ž–—”‡ The 3.4 percent April mation-technology jobs er from Hurricane Mi- Thursday, April 25 @ 6 PM rate, down from 3.5 per- showed declines. chael in October, was the cent in March, represent- Of the state’s 24 metro- only metro area to post ed 357,000 Floridians out politan statistical areas, 22 job losses for the past year, LAKE WALES of work from a workforce have seen gains over the down 1,900 positions, a of 10.3 million. That was a past year, topped by the 2.2 percent reduction. MUSEUM reduction of 3,000 unem- Orlando-Kissimmee-San- The Sebring area did 863.676.1759 ployed people compared ford area, which added not show a change over www.lakewalesfl.gov to March. 44,600 jobs, a 3.5 percent the year. Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Page 13 County Sports Athlete of the Week: Jaden Williamson By STEVEN RYZEWSKI What was it like playing alongside your sister, Haley? About Jaden Executive Editor We get along good, we never really argue on the field. Year: Senior Age: 18 Graduating senior Jaden Williamson has had quite When you were an underclassmen on the team, who Height: 5-foot-7 the career for the Bartow High softball program. was someone that you looked up to? Hits/Throws: Right As a freshman, Jaden pitched six innings in the Lexi Sims was really good. Position(s): Pitcher, outfield FHSAA Class 8A State Championship Game — a game GPA: 4.0 the Yellow Jackets won 5-2 in extra innings. This past Are you excited to continue your career in college at Travel team: FSA season, she compiled a 1.01 ERA over nearly 90 innings Indian River State College? of work and struck out 84 opposing batters. At the I’m pretty excited — two other plate, Jaden was second on the team in hits with 46 and girls from the team (at Bartow) totaled 15 extra-base hits while stealing a team-high are going, so I’ll know people. 32 bases for Bartow, which finished 25-4 and ended its The coaches are really cool. season in the regional final. Jaden Williamson is signed to play college softball for Do you know what you would Indian River State College. like to study in college? I’m not sure still — maybe What’s your impression of how the team did this nursing or something like that. spring? I kind of want to be a travel I think we definitely could have went farther, but we nurse. made it farther than we did my sophomore or junior year. We worked really hard. Who was your favorite teach- er this past year? How has high-school softball made you better? Mrs. (Kellie) Burkey — she I think it made me a smarter player — I learned a lot taught English. more about the game. What’s your favorite show to What’s your favorite memory from your career at watch on a rainy day? Bartow? “The Fosters.” It’s a Winning state as a freshman. I started pitching (in the really good show — I’ve state championship) but I was taken out. It was really watched it over again a stressful and there was a lot of pressure. couple of times. How old were you when you started playing? 1818 Harden Blvd, I started playing when I was 5. My dad got me into it. I What is your favorite Suite 110 started pitching when I was 7 or 8. place you have traveled Lakeland 33803 to and what is a place 863-248-6881 What do you like about pitching? you would like to visit? You’re in control — it’s up to you. Probably Panama City – I like the beach area. I Who was your funniest teammate this spring? would like to visit Bora Probably Jennie Brogdon — she’s pretty funny. Bora, I’ve always wanted PLATELET RICH Ask about our to go there. PLASMA (PRP) THERAPY ADULT STEM CELL Lake Region softball advances to Final Four Facial Rejuvenation Nonsurgical Facelift THERAPY Adult Stem Cell Therapy for: By STEVEN RYZEWSKI The winner between Lake Region and Urinary Incontinence Diabetes, Joint Pain, Back Pain, Executive Editor Doral Academy will face the winner of ED: P-Shot® for Men the opposite state semifinal between COPD/Lung Disease, FSD: O-Shot® The Lake Region High varsity softball Creekside and Fort Myers. Hypertension, Kidney Disease, for Women team is one of four squads remaining in The FHSAA Class 7A State Final is Crohn’s Disease, Lupus, the state in the FHSAA’s Class 7A. scheduled for 3:05 p.m. Friday, May 24. Hair Loss Neurological Disorders, The Thunder (20-9) defeated Viera 1-0 Through three regional playoff games, Arthritis Osteoarthritis, May 17 to punch their ticket to the FH- the Thunder have outscored their three Back Pain SAA Class 7A State Semifinals in Vero opponents by a margin of 19-2. Erectile Dysfunction, Joint Pain Beach this week. Head coach John Bridges’ squad has P-Shot® for Men, COPD Lake Region will face Doral Academy won five consecutive games, including FSD: O-Shot® for Women, (22-4) at 2:50 p.m. Thursday, May 23. the district tournament, and has allowed The FHSAA Softball State Champion- only three runs during that stretch. ships for all classifications will take place Savannah Barnett leads Lake Region at Jackie Robinson Training Complex on the mound (1.37 ERA spanning 138 (formerly Historic Dodgertown) in Vero innings pitched) and Rae Roland leads Beach. Admission to each session is $9 the team at the plate (.348 average, 32 in advance and $12 at the gate. Parking hits and 31 RBIs). is $10. Page 14 Wednesday, May 22, 2019 FEELING FIT BayCare releases June calendar of events for Winter Haven Hospital, Winter Haven Women’s Hospital and Bartow Regional Medical Center Bartow Regional Medical Center, Winter Haven Hospital Support Groups • Ovarian Cancer Support Group — A group for individ- and Winter Haven Women’s Hospital offer an array of support All support group sessions are free. Unless otherwise noted, uals with ovarian cancer to share emotions and experiences groups, screenings and healthy living activities in Polk County registration is not required. with other patients. June 17, 5:30-7 p.m. Winter Haven Hospi- each month. The following events will be held in June. • Cancer Treatment Education — An oncology nurse nav- tal, Wellness Center Conference Room. igator will review information for cancer patients who are • Man-to-Man Cancer Support Group — For men who have Featured Event starting chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Discussion topics cancer or who have survived it, this group offers information • Preventing Cancer — Join our expert speaker, Dr. Hassan include treatment side effects and available resources. Regis- and provides a safe, welcoming place to give and receive sup- Ebrahim, to learn about cancer prevention, screening and the tration is required: (855) 314-8352. June 5, 12, 19, 26, 3-4 p.m. port from others. June 18, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Winter Haven Hos- available treatment options. June 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Winter Winter Haven Hospital, Wellness Center Conference Room. pital, Quality Improvement Conference Room. Haven Hospital, Auditorium 200 Avenue F N.E., Winter Hav- • Woman-to-Woman Cancer Support Group — Informa- • Brain Injury Support Group — Open forum for brain in- en. Registration is required: (855) 314-8352. tion, support and coping strategies for women who have or jury survivors and their caregivers, family and friends on how have survived cancer. June 10 and 24, 6-7 p.m. Winter Haven to live life to the fullest after a traumatic injury. June 25, 7-8:30 Smoking Cessation Hospital, Wellness Center Conference Room. p.m. Winter Haven Hospital, Wellness Center Conference • Tools to — Quit If you’re ready to quit smoking, free help • Heart-to-Heart Cardiac Support Group — Support group Room. is available. Tools to Quit is a seminar to help you plan to quit for patients with various cardiac conditions. Registration is re- • Mental Health Peer Recovery Program — Provides edu- successfully. A supply of nicotine replacement products is quired: (863) 280-6066. June 11, 3-4 p.m. Winter Haven Hos- cation, support and socialization for participants diagnosed available at no cost to you. Registration is required: (877) 252- pital, Wellness Center Conference Room. with mental health issues, moving them toward recovery. 6094. June 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Bartow Regional Medical Center • Better Breathers Group — For individuals with chronic Mondays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Lions Park Clubhouse 820 Ave. L Board Room; June 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Winter Haven Hospital lung disease including COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and lung SW, Winter Haven Wednesdays, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Winter Ha- Wellness Center Conference Room. cancer. Learn ways to better cope with your diagnosis. June ven Hospital Center for Behavioral Health 1201 First St. S., 12, 1-2 p.m. Winter Haven Hospital, Wellness Center Confer- Winter Haven. BayCare HomeCare Sleep Clinic ence Room. A respiratory therapist will be available to assist with mask • Caregivers Support Group — A safe place for sharing Maternity Classes fitting and to answer any questions about CPAP/BiPAP ther- caregiving and self-care tips, discussing the challenges of car- All classes will be held at Winter Haven Women’s Hospital apy. June 6 and 20, 9 a.m.-noon at Bartow Regional Medical ing for a loved one and finding emotional support. June 14, in Classroom A, 101 Ave. O SE, Winter Haven, unless other- Center Classroom 1. 1:30-2:30 p.m. Winter Haven Hospital, Wellness Center Con- wise noted. ference Room. Registration is required: (855) 314-8352. WE HAVE AN IMAGE TO UPHOLD. YOURS.

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19-765950-0519 Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Page 15 FEELING FIT Enjoy more stress-free time with the kids

(MS) — Vacations are short, and For easy lunches and dinners you’ll parents need to make the most of this feel good about serving the kids, try quality time with their kids. Thank- Mann’s Nourish Bowls. Ready in just a fully, the following tips and tricks can couple of minutes in your microwave, help parents cut down on their stress the meals were developed by chefs and so they can enjoy more quality time to- feature superfood veggies like broccoli, gether as a family. sweet potato and kale. They also work as great side dishes to complete a fast Create a schedule and healthy meal. Jot down family activities and com- mitments on a large calendar and keep Plan special dates it on the fridge so everyone can see Getting out of the house regular- what’s coming up. This will help give ly doesn’t mean having to use up the the kids a sense of security and routine family travel budget. Give the kids an that’s missing during extended vaca- excuse to use up their energy and get Watson Clinic Announces May PEER Award Winner tions, such as summer or winter breaks some fresh air by scheduling some fun from school. Just be flexible, and make and free activities. Try going to your lo- Watson Clinic recognizes one outstanding employee every month as part of their sure to schedule plenty of free time to cal skating rink or spending some time Program for Employee Excellence and Recognition (PEER) award. The PEER Award relax and have quiet time with a book. in the public library. Keep the kids on is given to a Watson Clinic employee who best exemplifies the patient-focused cus- top of chores and other duties by pre- tomer service standards that Watson Clinic strives to excel at every day. Cut down on kitchen time senting these activities as rewards for a The following employee was recognized by Watson Clinic for this current month: Don’t like having to choose between job well done. Chakera Johnson. Johnson, a medical assistant in Watson Clinic's dermatology department, has been healthy and quick, easy meals? Look Find more information online at with the clinic for seven years. She’s known for her positive attitude, greeting every for simple, nutritious meal options that veggiesmadeeasy.com. patient with a smile, and her dedication to the department. Her peers say she is a take much of the work out of cooking. “poster child for teamwork.” As PEER Award winner, Chakera received a plaque, dinner at a local restaurant, a reserved parking spot and a free service from the medical spa at Watson Clinic LLP Welcome Home! to acknowledge her contributions to the organization. Chakera Johnson, right, is pictured in the above photo proudly displaying her PEER award plaque next to Watson Clinic Chief Administrative Officer Stan Pi- otrowski. Webber International University to introduce Bachelor of Arts in Health Services Administration

Webber International University has announced its intention, pending approv- You’re not just surrounded by people who take care of you. al by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges You’re surrounded by people who care about you. (SACSCOC), to introduce a Bachelor of Arts in Health Services Administration de- gree. Pending approval by SACSCOC, Webber University hopes to begin its first Savannah Court has been a trusted choice for seniors and their families for over a decade. Our intimate assisted courses in August of 2019. living communities focus on encouraging the independence of our residents with empathy and dignity. You have choices to customize the services needed to maintain and enhance the lifestyle of your loved one, increasing services as needs arise. • Comfortable & Elegant Atmosphere • Housekeeping • Restaurant Style Dining • Emergency Response System Picture Me Perfect Imaging • Activities • 24-hour Access • Transportation • 9 week DNA Gender To Trained & Friendly Staff

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Winter Haven • 863-293-3333 Bartow, Fl 33830 Lakeland, FL 33809 www.SavannahCourtBartow.com www.SavannahCottageLakeland.com By Appointment Only Assisted Living Facility License #9888 Assisted Living Facility License # 9783 Page 16 Wednesday, May 22, 2019 VIEWPOINTS Who merits highest honors? Letters to the Editor What do the following Kendrick Castillo, 18, was a senior at an 1,800-stu- A candidate for all of us people have in common? dent STEM school near Denver. Not me. Us. for decades. He’s had an Babe Ruth, Elvis Pres- He charged a gunman who, with an accomplice, This simple phrase is unparalleled consisten- ley, Ellen DeGeneres and wounded eight classmates, taking him to the floor and Bernie’s promise to give cy throughout his entire Tiger Woods. giving several classmates an opportunity to subdue the every single person in this career of fighting for the All achieved fame and gunman while the remaining students fled the class- country access to health- American people as a fortune for entertaining room to safety. care. It is Bernie’s promise whole and has been work- the world, whether on Castillo, described by classmates in a New York that he will fight to give ing tirelessly since his first stage or in sports venues. Times account as “the first to help when anyone everyone a living wage day in Congress for that All were awarded the needed it,” lost his life on May 7, just three days before and have decent jobs. It goal, which isn’t some- Thinking Out Loud nation’s highest civilian graduation. His was the only fatality in the attack. is Bernie’s promise that thing any other 2020 can- S.L. Frisbie award, the Presidential One week earlier, on the last day of class, Riley he will fight against cor- didate or the current Pres- Medal of Freedom, by Howell, a student at the University of North Carolina porate greed and make ident can truthfully say. the past two presidents. at Charlotte, was killed while defending his classmates sure everyone is paying I used to try and be as The White House website, as quoted by the New from a campus shooter. their fair share in taxes. apolitical a possible in my York Times, defines the award as “the nation’s high- Howell, 21, charged a campus gunman who already It is Bernie’s promise to day-to-day life, but Ber- est civilian honor, presented to individuals who have had killed one student and wounded four others. make sure we have a plan- nie is someone worth be- made especially meritorious contributions to the He took down the shooter, ending this attack. et that’s safe and habitable lieving in. Right or Left, security or national interests of the United States, to Howell, shot twice in the body and once in the head, for our future generations Conservative or Liberal world peace, or to cultural or other significant public was the second and last student killed by the gunman. to live on for hundreds of – he’s a candidate who is or private endeavors.” Police told his parents that their son’s intervention generation. It is Bernie’s fighting for us all. I urge Okay, without comment on how the “security or na- saved the lives of an unknown number of other stu- promise to fight for the everyone reading this to tional interests of the United States (or) world peace” dents. equality of all people in- look into Bernie Sand- benefit from their achievements, I suspect you and I In the armed forces, such selfless acts of sacrifice discriminately. ers and strongly consider are pretty familiar with their place in American sports might merit the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest How do we know Ber- supporting his campaign or entertainment. military decoration. nie will do as he says? The for president. Next question; what do these people have in com- In the civilian sector, the nation’s highest recognition answer to that is simple mon? is reserved, for the most part, for multi-millionaire as well; he’s been fighting Kendrick Castillo and Riley Howell. athletes and entertainers. for the same thing and Tyler Douglas, Drawing a blank? Not surprising. saying the same thing Winter Haven Their claim to fame was what is known in journalis- tic circles as a “one day story.” (S. L. Frisbie is retired. He can only hope that the two Each died while subduing campus murderers within schools whose student heroes gave their lives in defense Turning around makes the past month, acts of heroism that are credited with of their classmates will find an appropriate way to honor the difference saving lives of their classmates. their memories.) This is the time to cel- K-12 school or an institu- ebrate students academic tion of higher education. and educational success. These students over- May is Bicycle Safety Month Let’s cheer on the stu- came behavior issues and dents that earned their turned their behavior According to Safe Kids Bicycles are considered vehicles, and bicyclists have way to obtaining straight and academics around to Worldwide, more chil- the same rights — and responsibilities — as any other A’s, the honor roll, and achieve educational excel- dren ages 5 to 14 are seen driver. The law in all 50 states requires bicyclists to ride dean’s list. lence. in emergency rooms for with the flow of traffic when on the roadway. Bicyclists However, we cannot Today we salute the injuries related to biking should use hand signals to let motorists know if they forget about the Turn Turn Around Students in than any other sport. are turning or stopping. Some roads have lanes special- Around Students. These the great state of Florida Properly fitted helmets ly designed for bicycles and we strongly encourage the are the students that had and the United States of can reduce the risk of use of these lanes. behavior issues in ele- America. head injuries by at least Remember to obey all traffic signs and signals, and do mentary school, middle We are all proud of you, Polk County Sheriff 45 percent – yet less than NOT use headphones or operate a bike using a phone. school, high school or an individually and collec- half of children 14 and And don’t forget to look both ways before crossing the institution of higher ed- tively, for your hard work Grady Judd under usually wear a bike street. ucation, but managed to and determination. helmet. Whether you’re biking for enjoyment, or heading to turn their behavior and We are ever so grateful In Florida, it’s the law for a bicyclist under the age school or work, we want you safely arrive at your des- academic challenges into for the opportunity to ed- of 16 to wear a properly fitted helmet fastened securely tination. And don’t forget one more really important stronger positive mind- ucate you and contribute upon their head. thing – if you’re riding at night, please use lights. sets. The results are com- to your positive develop- Buying and wearing a bike helmet is not enough, Be safe, everyone, and happy cycling. mendable. ment. though. One quick rule to remember is to check your A Turn Around Student Stay focused on your ABC’s: A – air in the tires; B – brakes working properly; is defined as a male or fe- dreams and move forward C – chain is on and tight. male student growing-up to your goals. Congratula- Be sure the seat is at the proper height, and that you Sound off! in a dysfunctional home, tions to the Class of 2019! have reflectors and lights. Readers are welcome to send Letters to the Editor for consideration for a single-parent home, publication. Entries must be fewer than 250 words, include the author’s Now that you and your bike are safely equipped, let’s full name and city of residence, and should be emailed to news@ homeless, displaced, or talk about the rules of the road. scmginc.com with “Letter to the Editor” in the message title. who has had major dis- Dr. Shandale Terrell cipline infractions in a Lakeland, Florida Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Page 17 BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY APPLIANCES/TVs FISHING & HUNTING HOME IMPROVEMENT

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2019_05_22_pw_18.pdf 1 21-May-19 19:31:15 Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Page 19 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE CITY OF FORT MEADE THE CITY OF FORT MEADE PLANNING & ZONING BOARD AND THE CITY COMMISSION TO AMEND THE PLANNING & ZONING BOARD AND THE CITY COMMISSION TO AMEND THE CITY OF FORT MEADE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, BY A SMALL-SCALE AMENDMENT TO CITY OF FORT MEADE ZONING MAP FROM FORT MEADE SINGLE FAMILY THE LAND USE MAP BY RECLASSIFYING LAND FROM FORT MEADE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1B) TO FORT MEADE COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR (C-2) RESIDENTIAL (SFR) TO FORT MEADE COMMERCIAL (COM) ZONING CLASSIFICATION. FUTURE LAND USE CLASSIFICATION. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning and Zoning Board of the City of Fort Meade will hold a pub- NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning and Zoning Board of the City of Fort Meade will hold a public lic hearing on Monday, June 3, 2019, at 5:30 p.m., in the City Commission Chambers, City Hall, 8 West Broad- hearing on Monday, June 3, 2019, at 5:30 p.m., in the City Commission Chambers, City Hall, 8 West Broadway, way, Fort Meade, Florida, for the purpose of recommending to the City Commission to consider amending Fort Meade, Florida, for the purpose of recommending to the City Commission an amendment to the Compre- Ordinance No. 97-2, the Land Development Regulations by amending the Zoning Map of the City of Fort hensive Plan of the City of Fort Meade, for a small scale amendment to the land use map by reclassifying land Meade, Florida, as provided in the Unified Land Development Code from Fort Meade Single Family Residen- from Fort Meade Single Family Residential (SFR) to Fort Meade Commercial (COM), future land use classifica- tial (R-1B) to Fort Meade Commercial Corridor (C-2), zoning classification for the following subject parcel: tion for the following subject parcels: Tax ID No.: 25-31-26-435000-001010 Tax ID No.: 25-31-26-435000-001010 LEBO J W ADD PB 26 PF 17 BLK 1 LOTS 1 TO 21 & BLK 2 LOTS 1 TO 14 & THAT PT OF LEBO DR & LEBO J W ADD PB 26 PF 17 BLK 1 LOTS 1 TO 21 & BLK 2 LOTS 1 TO 14 & THAT PT OF LEBO DR & PARK PARK LYING BETWEEN BLK 1 LOTS 1 TO 14 & BLK 2 LOTS 1 TO 14 & W1/2 OF LEBO DR & PARK LYING BETWEEN BLK 1 LOTS 1 TO 14 & BLK 2 LOTS 1 TO 14 & W1/2 OF LEBO DR & PARK LYING E LYING E OF & ADJACENT TO BLK 1 LOTS 15 TO 21 BEING VACATED AS PER OR 7688 PB 612 LESS OF & ADJACENT TO BLK 1 LOTS 15 TO 21 BEING VACATED AS PER OR 7688 PB 612 LESS ADDNL R/W ADDNL R/W FOR US HWY 98 FOR US HWY 98 Containing 3.28± acres. Containing 3.28± acres. The City Commission will hear the Planning and Zoning Board’s recommendations and hold a Public Hear- The City Commission will hear the Planning and Zoning Board’s recommendations and hold a Public Hearing ing on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 6:00 pm. on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. Anyone wishing to offer input pro or con in regard to the above request may be heard at this time. Anyone wishing to offer input pro or con in regard to the above request may be heard at this time. Interested parties may examine the documents and map at the office of the Deputy City Clerk at City Hall, 8 Interested parties may examine the documents and map at the office of the Deputy City Clerk at City Hall, 8 West Broadway, Fort Meade, Florida, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. West Broadway, Fort Meade, Florida, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Fort Meade, Florida will hold a pub- NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Commission of the City of Fort Meade, Florida will hold a public lic hearing on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at 6:00 p.m., in the Commission Chambers, City Hall, in said City, to hearing on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., in the Commission Chambers, City Hall, in said City, to consider: consider:

1. Amending the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Fort Meade, for a small-scale amendment to the land use 1. Amending Ordinance No. 97-2, the Land Development Regulations by amending the Zoning Map of the map by reclassifying land from Fort Meade Single Family (SFR) to Fort Meade Commercial (COM), future land City of Fort Meade, Florida, as provided in the Unified Land Development Code from Fort Meade Single use classification for the following subject parcels: Family Residential (R-1B) to Fort Meade Commercial Corridor (C-2), zoning classification for the following subject parcels: Tax ID No.: 25-31-26-435000-001010 LEBO J W ADD PB 26 PF 17 BLK 1 LOTS 1 TO 21 & BLK 2 LOTS 1 TO 14 & THAT PT OF LEBO DR & PARK Tax ID No.: 25-31-26-435000-001010 LYING BETWEEN BLK 1 LOTS 1 TO 14 & BLK 2 LOTS 1 TO 14 & W1/2 OF LEBO DR & PARK LYING E LEBO J W ADD PB 26 PF 17 BLK 1 LOTS 1 TO 21 & BLK 2 LOTS 1 TO 14 & THAT PT OF LEBO DR & OF & ADJACENT TO BLK 1 LOTS 15 TO 21 BEING VACATED AS PER OR 7688 PB 612 LESS ADDNL R/W PARK LYING BETWEEN BLK 1 LOTS 1 TO 14 & BLK 2 LOTS 1 TO 14 & W1/2 OF LEBO DR & PARK FOR US HWY 98 LYING E OF & ADJACENT TO BLK 1 LOTS 15 TO 21 BEING VACATED AS PER OR 7688 PB 612 LESS Containing 3.28± acres. ADDNL R/W FOR US HWY 98 Containing 3.28± acres. The proposed Ordinance is entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT MEADE, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF THE CITY OF FORT MEADE, FLORIDA, BY A SMALL- The proposed Ordinance is entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT MEADE, FLORIDA, SCALE AMENDMENT TO THE LAND USE MAP OF 3.28± ACRES BY RECLASSIFYING LAND FROM AMENDING ORDINANCE 97-2, BY AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY BY RE-ZONING FORT MEADE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (SFR) TO FORT MEADE COMMERCIAL (COM) FUTURE PROPERTY FROM FORT MEADE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (R-1B) TO FORT MEADE COM- LAND USE CLASSIFICATION. THE PROPOSED LAND USE MAP AMENDMENT IS TO RE-DEFINE THE MERCIAL CORRIDOR (C-2); PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR A COPY TO BE LAND USE OF THE PROPERTIES DESCRIBED THEREIN; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVID- KEPT ON FILE, REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING AN EFFEC- ING FOR A COPY TO BE KEPT ON FILE, REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; TIVE DATE. PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Any interested parties may inspect the proposed Ordinance at the Office of the City Clerk in City Hall of the Any interested parties may inspect the proposed Ordinance at the Office of the City Clerk in City Hall of the City City of Fort Meade, Florida, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. of Fort Meade, Florida, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays. At said hearings any person, his/her agent or attorney, may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed At said hearings any person, his/her agent or attorney, may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning and Zoning Board or the City ordinance. If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning and Zoning Board or the City Com- Commission with respect to any matter considered at such hearing, he/she will need a report of the proceed- mission with respect to any matter considered at such hearing, he/she will need a report of the proceedings; that, ings; that, for such purposes, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, for such purposes, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based (F.S. §286.105). includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based (F.S. §286.105). In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and F.S. §286.26, persons with disabilities needing In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and F.S. §286.26, persons with disabilities needing spe- special accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact the Deputy City Clerk prior to the cial accommodations to participate in this proceeding should contact the Deputy City Clerk prior to the pro- proceedings at (863) 285-1100 for assistance; if hearing impaired, telephone the Florida Relay Service num- ceedings at (863) 285-1100 for assistance; if hearing impaired, telephone the Florida Relay Service numbers bers (800) 955-8771 (TDD) OR (800) 955-8770 (voice) for assistance. (800) 955-8771 (TDD) OR (800) 955-8770 (voice) for assistance. Deputy City Clerk’s Deputy City Clerk’s Office Office Dated in Fort Meade, Polk County, Florida, Dated in Fort Meade, Polk County, Florida, this 22nd Day of May 2019. this 22nd day of May 2019. Page 20 Wednesday, May 22, 2019

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