Wednesday, April 17, 2019 www.winterhavensun.com TAKE ONE IT’S FREE An Edition Of The Sun Winter Haven native, Hope lives here family celebrate earning of doctoral degree By CHARLES A. BAKER III Suspect in triple Staff Writer murder surrenders WINTER HAVEN – William “Bil- Ernst Cherizard turned himself ly Bob” Morris, his son Dr. Rodney in to the Haines City Police Morris and around 20 others gathered Department on Sunday at Harborside Restaurant March 24 to PG 4 celebrate a homecoming and gradua- tion. At age 56, Rodney graduated from Capella University and is now a doctor — the latest chapter in a life that has seen military service to his country and a lot of hard work. Alongside family and friends, Rod- ney said he dedicated his 450-page dis- sertation to his father. PHOTO PROVIDED BY WINTER HAVEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE “You, sir, are my hero,” Rodney said. Saturday stroll Supporters and local officials attended the ribbon cutting for House of Hope, located on Havendale Boulevard, on April .11 “I have been blessed to have you as my Check our our photos from the father, and having you in my corner as Winter Haven Farmers Market House of Hope, a new transitional my number one cheerleader and sup- this past Saturday porter. Not too many men take on the PG 7 facility for women leaving prison, task as a single father raising a child. I cannot imagine the courage it took celebrated its ribbon cutting last week. over those 18 years and the responsi- bility that came with it.” By ANITA TODD Contributing Writer MORRIS | 4 WINTER HAVEN – House of Hope may counseling and mentorship — among have held its ribbon cutting April 11, but other things — for its participants. the transition house has existed for years in “House of Hope is for women who the prayers of co-founders Jana Jones and are just released from prison and are Standout senior Sherri Nicely. ready to start work,” Jones said. Winter Haven High senior “For me, House of Hope started in a For the pair of co-founders, this is infielder Alexandra Dilts is prayer room eight years ago, when I had a the first house of what they hope will having a strong season for the vision of the home,” Jones said. “I drew a become many, with each home serving Blue Devils stick house on a piece of paper and that’s a different purpose. PG 13 what I named it.” To be considered for residency at House of Hope is designed to house wom- House of Hope, women must complete en right out of prison, providing a variety of an extensive application and cannot be Good morning to: services, and will welcome its first resident taking psych drugs or have been con- PHOTO COURTESY KEN NELSON Dr. Rodney Morris and his father William “Billy Tom Jennings this month. The facility will offer programs victed of a violent crime. Bob” Morris hold a copy of Rodney Morris’ 450- Thanks for reading! focused on job skills, job placement, tutor- HOPE | 4 page dissertation during a graduation party at ing, financial stewardship, parenting classes, Harborside Restaurant March 24.

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Find Your New Home at: www.HighlandHomes.ORG | (863) 797-4999 Page 2 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 CALENDAR Bartow Ford Easter Egg Hunt Medicare 101 When: April 20, 2019 | 10 a.m. Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt When: April 25, 2019 | 10:30 a.m. Where: Bartow Ford When: April 21, 2019 | Noon Where: FWH & Associates 2800 U.S. Highway 98 N., Bartow Where: Tanners Lakeside 415 E. Main St., Suite 102, Bartow Bartow Ford Company invites the community to join 1006 Lake Howard Dr. SW, Winter Haven Get the information you will need to build a healthy them at their dealership for their first-ever Easter Egg Come to Tanners Lakeside for music, crafts for the kids, future. If you’ll be eligible for Medicare soon, that Hunt. The hunt will begin promptly at 10 a.m. and end good food and much more! The Broke will be perform- means you have choices to make. It’s natural to have at 1pm. Over 5,000 stuffed eggs – some will include ing live from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Festivities start at noon. questions and it’s important to understand your health- toys, others will include candy – will be placed in the care options. Join Linda Carew for a free informational designated areas at the dealership. Additionally, food Bartow Adult Concert Band seminar. Other classes will take place May 9 and May vendors will be on hand selling lunch, snack and bev- When: April 21, 2019 | 2:30 p.m. 23. Call (863) 537-6686 for more information. erage options. Children who attend will enjoy a balloon Where: Bartow Civic Center artist – and, of course, the Easter Bunny will on hand! 2250 S. Floral Ave., Bartow Johnny Cash & Crew Free concert. As guest conductor, Mark Thielen will When: April 26, 2019 | 5 p.m., 8 p.m. Architectural Tour direct the “Light Cavalry” Overture by F. Von Suppe Where: Lake Ashton Clubhouse When: April 20, 2019 | 11 a.m. and Arr. by Henry Fillmore. The Bartow Adult Concert 4140 Ashton Club Dr., Lake Wales Where: Polk County History Center Band is under the direction of Phil Wharton. Part of the Lake Ashton Series, this show will be a mu- 100 E. Main St., Bartow sical tribute inspired by famed rock ‘n’ roll icons Johnny Join us for an architectural tour of the Polk County His- Basic Book Repair Class Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins with the Brass tory Center and learn about neoclassical architecture, When: April 23, 2019 | 10 a.m. Heart Band. More information at theatrewinterhaven. the construction of the building and the stories behind Where: Lake Wales Public Library com. the iconic Old Polk County Courthouse. This month’s 290 Cypress Gardens Ln., Lake Wales tour features special emphasis on the beautiful tile floor. In celebration of Preservation Week, the Lake Wales

The architectural tour is at 11 a.m. on the third Satur- Public Library will host its   day of each month. Basic Book  Repair Class. The 90-min-  Free Water Ski Show ute class will include an When: April 20, 2019 | 5 p.m. overview of the parts of a Where: Lake Silver at Martin Luther King Jr. Park book and the difference 38%/,&127,&( 199 E. Lake Silver Dr. NE, Winter Haven between preservation, res- CITY OF BARTOW, FLORIDA Spring is in the air — and so is the high-flying delta toration and conservation. wing kite! Come join the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Participants will learn how Team for this free show on Lake Silver. Concessions are to properly repair torn pag- Notice is hereby given that the City of Bartow, Florida will convene available and attendees are encouraged to bring their es and broken spines. They a Public Meeting of its Professional Services Evaluation Committee own lawn chairs. More info at cypressgardenswaterski- will understand the tools to review responses to RFQ # CM 2017-01 and discuss preliminary team.com. needed to repair a book correctly. This class is free, competitive selection preference rankings. The Public Meeting will California Toe Jam but limited to 10 people. be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at City Hall, 450 North When: April 20, 2019 | 7 p.m. Registration is required. Wilson Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830. During the Public Meeting, Where: Ramon Theater Register by calling (863) the Professional Services Evaluation Committee may conduct public 15. E. Wall St., Frostproof 678-4004, ext. 221, or visit Many residents of Florida’s Heartland consider Califor- the library. discussions with, or receive public presentations from, select nia Toe Jam to be the area’s most well-loved good-time professional service firms pursuant to the Consultants’ Competitive oldies band. Their family-friendly shows have brought Negotiation Act. smiles to countless faces over the last three decades. Tickets are $20 for general The Professional Services Evaluation Team may continue the Public admission. More infor- mation at RamonTheater. Meeting to other dates and times as it deems necessary. com. Interested parties are advised that the date, time and place of any Winter Haven Sun continuation of this Public Meeting, and of any additional future Easter Sunrise Service 99 3rd St. NW, continuations, may be announced orally without any further When: April 21, 2019 | Winter Haven, FL 33881 7 a.m. published notice.

Where: Phone (863) 533-4183 Bok Tower Gardens www.yoursun.com/polk If a person decides to appeal any decision with respect to any 1151 Tower Blvd., matter considered during this meeting, he or she will need a record Lake Wales Bok Tower Gardens will of the proceedings, and, for such purpose, he or she may need to Classified Ads:[email protected] present the 93rd annual ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which Easter Sunrise Service on Legals: [email protected] record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal Obituaries: [email protected] Sunday, April 21 at 7 a.m. is to be based. with free admission from News or Events to: [email protected] 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. An annual tradition, worshipers are If you have a disability and need accommodations for this Public invited to experience the Meeting, or you require foreign language translation services in majesty of the sun rising VP & Group Publisher General Manager order to participate in this Public Meeting, please contact the City over the horizon atop Timothy D. Smolarick Kim Edwards of Bartow City Clerk’s Office by telephone at (863) 534-0100 or in Iron Mountain. Accessible 813.951.0450 [email protected] parking, shuttle service, writing at City Clerk, City Hall, 450 North Wilson Avenue, Bartow, Executive Editor Office Manager and seating for guests will Steven Ryzewski Lora Belue Florida 33830 at least two (2) days before the event. If you are be available. Donations are [email protected] [email protected] hearing or voice impaired, call Florida Relay Service at 711. suggested. Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Page 3 COUNTY Six months in, new county commissioners reflect on learning curve By CATHY PALMER “I’m a quick learner -- and it’s a good thing,” Santiago planning on how to improve what we’ve just done.” Contributing Writer said. “There is so, so very much information to take in, While Wilson’s district is most of the southern half of there are so many departments that handle so many differ- the county, he says he doesn’t look at things from a district Polk County’s two newest county commissioners hit ent areas. It’s hard to wrap your head around it all at first, basis. the ground running six months ago, taking office within but I’m feeling more comfortable every day.” “I look at the whole county,” Wilson said. “If somebody minutes of taking their oath. Six months later, both Rick Both commissioners have broad experience in man- calls about a problem in another district, I do what I can Wilson and Martha Santiago say they are still in the midst agement, with Santiago managing segments of Polk State to help them.” of a steep learning curve. College, were she was provost, and Wilson handling his Right now, the commissioners are tackling their first “I knew Polk County was big and the county was in- family’s ranch and heavy equipment business following a budget preparation. volved in a lot, but it’s almost overwhelming how much 13-year career as a NASCAR race driver. “I’ve been doing a lot of homework and learning a lot,” there is to learn,” said Santiago, who took office in Novem- While the fledgling commissioners are still in the get- Santiago continues, “$1.5 billion is a lot of money, so I’m ber. ting-up-to-speed mode, both maintain that their experi- diligent about it. It’s hard to determine who needs it most.” Santiago represents District 4, which includes most of ences in administration, business operations and in the Wilson isn’t quite so shy about the county’s mammoth Winter Haven, Dundee, Lake Hamilton, Davenport and communities they serve have given them the tools to make budget. stretches north, through the burgeoning northeast area of decisions right out of the gate. “When I drove in NASCAR, I was exposed to corpo- the county around Four Corners, as well as east to Poinci- “If I’m not sure about an issue, I ask questions,” Santiago rations with that kind of money, so it wasn’t shocked at ana at the county line. says. “I’m not going to vote on something I don’t under- the big numbers,” he says. “But we also break it down by Her comments were echoed by Wilson, who had a stand and get what the impacts will be.” departments and analyze it that way.” month’s lead time over Santiago, taking office via guberna- Wilson adds, “I do very little talking, but I will ask ques- Both commissioners said they have had to tighten up torial appointment and a primary victory in October after tions until I’m comfortable making an informed decision. their time management since taking office. Additionally, term-limited Commissioner Melony Bell opted to resign … It’s going to take time, but I’m learning more every day Santiago says just getting around is an issue. to pursue her successful campaign for the state house. and feeling more comfortable.” “My office is here in Bartow, but some days I have to go “I’m still in information overload,” Wilson, a Bartow Both commissioners say that economic growth and sta- to Davenport or Poinciana and it’s over an hour’s drive,” native, said. “Polk County is such a big operation and the bility issues are constant countywide and that public safety she said. “It can be challenging.” county takes care of so much.” is their priority. “Fortunately, we have great staff and they have all been Wilson’s District 2 is the largest in land area and in- “We have to protect our people and see that they have willing to help us out and things are getting easier,” Wilson cludes the cities of Bartow, Fort Meade and Frostproof. the best services possible. They must have enough law en- added. The district stretches east-west from county line to county forcement, enough fire and rescue and enough utilities,” “It’s been an exciting six months,” Santiago adds, “And I line. Santiago explains. “Those are our main priorities.” really love this job and serving people.” Both Wilson and Santiago are relatively new to the “Transportation is an issue too,” says Wilson. “We’re political scene, but Santiago had a leg up in that area — already behind on that and she ran for the commission in 2006, but didn’t make the we can never get it done in cut back then. In November, she claimed the seat held for time. By the time we get eight years by Todd Dantzler, who was termed out. things done, we’re already JOIN State Attorney publishes annual report THE BEST TEAM By CHARLES A. BAKER III Staff Writer IN STEEL POLK COUNTY – State Former Auburndale Po- Many youth participat- Attorney Brian Haas pub- lice Chief and Bartow High ed in the Youth Mock Trial lished the 2019 Office Re- School graduate Chris Nel- summer program for teens port this past Friday, April son was hired as State At- interested in learning more 12. The report highlights torney’s Office Executive about a career as a prosecu- some of the work prosecu- Director in August. tor. Haas led multiple events tors of Florida’s Tenth Judi- Two death sentences were with seniors, teaching them cial Circuit completed over handed down last year, how to avoid fraud. TOWN HALL & CAREER FAIR the past calendar year. one to Benjamin Smiley of Three former prosecutors Ninety assistant state at- Lakeland and the other to were sworn in as judges last Johnathan Alcegaire of Mi- COME LEARN ABOUT NUCOR WAUCHULA, FLORIDA torneys, 140 investigators year: former County Court April 23 • 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and numerous clerical staff ami. Director Stacie Kaylor, We are looking for motivated teammates Hardee Civic Center 507 Civic Center Dr. handled 43,659 cases in More than 7,000 child Hardee County Director ready to take on new challenges while LAKELAND, FLORIDA 2019, taking 322 cases to a support cases were handled. David Stamey and former building their careers with North America’s May 7 • 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. most diversifi ed steel and steel products Polk State College jury and collecting $7.1 mil- Hundreds of juveniles Homicide Division Chief Lakeland Campus company. Nucor offers industry-leading pay Building LTB Room 1100 lion in child support. who were arrested last year Hope Pattey. and benefi ts, and has been recognized as one BARTOW, FLORIDA had their criminal history May 21 • 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. “Last year was a very On March 7, Haas of the nation’s best employers. Polk State College eventful year,” Haas said. minimized for committing launched the SAO Inau- Advanced Technology Center, Room 1104 “While our circuit enjoyed eligible, non-serious crimi- gural Citizens Academy, another year of record low nal acts through a diversion a nine-week program that NUCOR HIGHLIGHTS AVAILABLE POSITIONS • Safety leader in the industry Entry Level Production crime rates, we still were program created in 2017. teaches local residents the Rolling Mill Shift Supervisor • Competitive pay, including bonuses and Electrical Lead faced with many challenges. Some adults entered other ins and outs of prosecutori- profi t-sharing Mechanical Lead Our prosecutors, investiga- diversion programs last year al work. • No-layoff practice MRO Warehouse Lead • No industrial experience required High Voltage Electrical Technician tors, and staff remained very for charges such as posses- Multiple high profile Melt Shop Shift Supervisor busy throughout the year, as sion of cannibus, petit theft, cases were also document- we worked hard to serve our worthless check and dump- ed. To read the full report, Learn more and apply today at www.nucor.com/careers. No Phone Calls Please! citizens and prosecute those ing. check out www.sao10.com. who victimize them.” Nucor Steel Florida, Inc. • 22 Nucor Drive • Frostproof, Florida 33843 Page 4 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 ON THE COVER HOPE FROM PAGE 1 Although the vision started years ago, it has been payment needed for the residence. Jones said another 24 hours a day. House of Hope’s founders are also hop- only 13 months since the two ladies met for lunch and donor has offered to make monthly payments. Another ing to obtain grants to help with finances. began to share their vision with one another. It was on friend from high school donated $6,000 in landscaping Jones and Nicely say they plan to also open a crisis that day back in March of 2018 that Jones and Nice- while someone else dropped off a set of Macy’s china unit for individuals who need immediate housing com- ly discovered they both felt called to open a transition on the doorstep. ing out of a dangerous situation. home for women. The home has been decorated by different individu- House of Hope is new, but Jones and Nicely are not Everything fell into place from there — from com- als, some even choosing to “adopt” an entire room to when it comes to helping the community. For example, munity approval to loan approval to finding the per- put a personal touch on an inviting living space. Jones has opened her own home to addicts in need of fect home to furnishing that home. Jones and Nicely “It’s been fun watching people catch the vision and help while detoxing for years. say they patiently waited for the perfect fit, eventually want to know what they can do,” Jones said. “We have helped place women in other homes and finding it with a property at 1890 Havendale Boulevard. More sponsors are needed, though, as the pair would having been doing outreach in the community and in “Through Jesus Christ, we are providing these like to pay off the home as soon as possible, freeing up the Polk County Jail,” Nicely said. things,” Nicely said. “We know the hand of God is on funds to run the operation on a day-to-day basis. Those The pair said they don’t consider themselves special this to have been able to accomplish everything we did who would like to help can also adopt residents and to have opened House of Hope, but rather that they in such a short time. help with their monthly expenses. Although appreci- were following a calling. Meanwhile, all types of donations were pouring in, ated, House of Hope does not need clothes at this time. “We just happen to be two women who said ‘yes’ to including monetary ones totaling $46,000 – the down Eventually, the residence will become home to six God,” Jones said. “We are His hands and feet.” women at a time and staffed by a volunteer counselor MORRIS FROM PAGE 1 Rodney’s parents divorced when he was 2 years old Division. Morris was 1st Infantry Division Provost Mar- berly Morris, Oren Dowdy, Shannon Smith and Pastor and Billy Bob Morris got custody. Billy Bob recalls strug- shal in Tikrit, Iraq. Randy Frazee. gling financially as a young, single father. Later, as a teen- He was eventually promoted to Lieutenant Colonel “This capstone is dedicated to my father, who has ager, Rodney was not perfect. His grades at Winter Ha- and served as Deputy Commandant for the United States poured his heart and soul into my growth to make me a ven High School were average at best, and one time he Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, in Kansas. better person, officer, professor and doctor,” Dr. Morris wrapped a family car around a telephone pole. Robert Morris earned the General Douglas McAr- said. “I thank him for instilling the no quit attitude in Still, Billy Bob had successfully instilled values in his son thur Leadership Award at the Pentagon, the Legion of me; for teaching me that I don’t have to take no for an an- and fresh out of high school in 1980 Rodney joined the Merit Award and a Combat Action Badge, among other swer; for showing me the way to get an edge; for teaching Army to become a military policeman. awards during his time in the Army. me it is okay to challenge authority when I know in my “That’s when he blossomed,” Billy Bob Morris said. After 30 years of service as a military policeman, Rod- heart I am right, as long as I do it respectfully and tact- Five years later. Rodney got his first degree, an associ- ney “retired” to become a teacher at the Command and fully; and for challenging me to reach for greater heights, ate’s degree from Troy University that qualified him to General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, where he no matter how high on the ladder the challenge seemed.” enter Officers Candidate School (OCS). He entered the lives now. Billy Bob Morris owns Billy Bob’s Tree Service in Win- Army as a Private First Class and graduated OCS as a Over the past few years, he has been working on his ter Haven. Second Lieutenant. He kept up his studies, and in 1997, doctoral degree. He returned home to Winter Haven to Over the years, he has used business profits to pur- he graduated with a degree in criminal justice manage- attend the graduation party at Harborside. chase multiple used cars for local residents who exhibit a ment from Chaminade University. Dr. Morris said he is now writing a detailed person- good work ethic but are down on their luck. In 2000, Rodney graduated Magna Cum Laude with a al finance book with his girlfriend, Melissa Kropf, and Asked who taught those kind of values to who, Billy master’s degree from Central Michigan University. friend Monica De Agostino. Bob Morris wasn’t quite sure as to the answer. While studying, Rodney steadily was promoted in In addition to thanking his father, Dr. Morris also “That’s a great question,” he said, laughing. “I think we the Army. He was stationed in Panama when former thanked those in attendance at the party including his both taught them to each other.” Panamanian President Manuel Noriega was captured for mother, Elaine Morris, his mentor, Dr. Ramo Lord, along drug trafficking. He served as company commander of with Billy Schamberger, Tammy Houmard, Amanda Editor’s note: Ken Nelson contributed to this story. the 194th Military Police in the famed 101st Airborne Pina, Ashley Kincaid, Ray Kincaid, Carson Morris, Kim- Suspect in Haines City triple murder surrenders to police By STEVEN RYZEWSKI said that Normil and Cherizard were in a relationship “Despite his indicated remorse, make no mistake about Executive Editor and have two children together, though Elizabelle is not it — this man is a monster,” Elensky said. “To consciously Cherizard’s child. Guillume is a relative. shoot three innocent, unarmed females is nothing less than Ernst Cherizard, the suspect in the shooting deaths of “Because of Cherizard’s cowardly actions — and they are being a coward. To shoot a truly innocent 6-year-old child two women and a 6-year-old girl, turned himself in to the nothing short of cowardly — a family now has to bury three is disgusting and beyond comprehension. Moreover, he Haines City Police Department after 2 p.m. April 14. members, including a young child who had her whole life shot the child at least three times, once being in the head. Six-year-old Elizabelle Frenel was the third and final vic- in front of her,” Haines City Police Chief Jim Elensky said. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the first tim to succumb to her injuries. Elizabelle was pronounced Elizabelle Frenel was a student at Alta Vista Elementary responders who did everything they could at the scene. dead at an Orlando hospital before 11 p.m. Saturday, April in Haines City. They also must live with this tragedy.” 13, after suffering gunshot wounds to the temple, face and Initially, Cherizard fled the scene Friday night in a 2011 Records indicate show Winter Haven Police have pre- arm the night before. burgundy Nissan Altima belonging to Normil. The suspect viously arrested Cherizard on a domestic battery charge. According to police reports, the three victims were fa- headed toward South Florida, causing a large manhunt, be- The investigation is still ongoing as police try to piece tally shot before 7:15 p.m. Friday, April 12, at the Citrus fore eventually deciding to turn himself in. together the series of events that motivated the incident. Ridge Apartments in Haines City. Eli Junia Normil, 23, and In the early hours of Saturday morning, Cherizard took On Monday, Cherizard appeared before a judge and the Nicole Guillume, 48, were pronounced dead at the scene. to Facebook to acknowledge the incident and closed by judge ordered that he be held in jail without bond. A deci- Elizabelle is the daughter of Normil. apologizing to his children: “Daddy is so sorry with all my sion will be made in the coming days by the state attorney’s A statement from the Haines City Police Department heart cuz I can’t believe this happened.” office on whether to pursue the death penalty in the case. Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Page 5 Polk County School Board discusses charter school applications, denying 2 By CHARLES A. BAKER III school in Naples with staff accused of criminal fraud. Polk County School Board members Lori Cunning- Staff Writer “I think it’s important for the public to know they ham suggested school staff, working with the media, (charter schools) have very powerful lobbying support,” ought to help get the word out that state legislators POLK COUNTY – The Polk County School Board Townsend said in reference to charter school lobbyists were not appropriately funding traditional zoned pub- discussed four recent charter school applications in Tallahassee. lic schools. during a work session April 9. In office since the election in November, Fortney has When the school board members were done debat- Of the four charter school applications received for made multiple social media posts expressing concern ing, Polk County Schools Superintendent Jacqueline review, staff with two charter school organizations about charter school funding restricting funding of Byrd recommended that the American Classical Char- withdrew their applications and the charter review zoned public schools. ter Academy application be denied because their fund- committee recommended the board deny the other two Polk County School Board Chair Lynn Wilson has ing was too reliant on bank loans. Byrd recommended applications by a combined 23-1 vote. repeatedly said he does not oppose charter schools on the Bridgeprep Academy application be approved and The four applicants were from American Classical principle. He recently told the Sun that the board can- that differences between the parties be worked out in Charter Academy, Bridgeprep Academy Polk Coun- not afford to give teachers a raise primarily because pending contract negotiations. ty, Mi Escuela Montessori and Navigator Academy of state regulators mandate how much local leaders can Recently, the Sun published a story announcing that Leadership. Staff with the latter two organizations with- tax local residents. Lynn believes local leaders should Navigator Academy would be opening in the fall in drew their applications. be able to raise property taxes to benefit schools, as op- Davenport. The Navigator Academy application associ- During the past several school board meetings, sev- posed to leaders in Tallahassee who mandate that taxes ated with this report is in reference to a possible second eral board members have made statements indicating remain unchanged annually. Navigator Academy according to Melissa Aguilar, the they believe state funding of charter schools is nega- But on April 9, Wilson said funding shortages go be- school director of communication. tively affecting state funding of traditional zoned public yond millage rate rollback mandates from state legis- Aguilar said their first school is still on schedule to schools. lators. Wilson said northeast Polk County needs more be open by fall. Board members Billy Townsend and Sarah Fortney schools but that there are not enough resources. have been especially vocal on the matter. “That’s the challenge,” Wilson said. “We don’t have Townsend said he felt the Bridgeprep Academy Polk those resources. Whether we like it or not, the state County application process felt more like a real estate provides those resources through charter schools.” Get your subscription today! deal than helping people to start a charter school. In Polk County Schools Lawyer Wes Bridges said that reference to American Classical Charter Academy, when charter schools get denied locally, they often ap- 863.533.4183 Townsend said the school was modeled after a charter peal to state legislators and win.

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Contributing Writer What they witnessed was a process that saw the re- Of 13,816 eligible registered voters in Haines City, count machine count the results and return — or “out- only 1,363 cast their ballots. To be eligible to vote for HAINES CITY – Saying the race for Seat 1 on the stack” — ballots that need to be set aside for review. city commissioners, voters must live within the city Haines City Commission April 2 was close is an under- “The outstacks are ballots that must be reviewed and limits of town. statement. will be counted if the intention was clear,” Edwards A native of Michigan, in 2001, Hall and her husband In the final tally, just two votes gave newcomer Jayne said. “These are marks that the machine wouldn’t un- purchased the Palms Hotel and started a business and Hall the victory over two-term incumbent Don Mason. derstand but that the human eye would.” then moved to Haines City in 2003. Initially after the votes were counted on election After the machine recount, Hall had 681 votes to Ma- Although she had never been involved personally in night, Hall had squeezed by Mason by three votes, 683 son’s 680, with three ballots being outstacked. Those politics, Hall said she felt called to run and intended to – 680. That wasn’t the end, though — Florida law dic- ballots were then reviewed by the canvassing board. do so years earlier, but missed the deadline to submit tates that a machine recount must be done if the dif- The first ballot was deemed a vote for Hall. The sec- her application. ference in votes is one half of one percent or less of the ond ballot was blank and the third was a write-in vote Hall will begin serving her four-year term on May 2, total number of votes. for a candidate not on the ballot. With those three votes when she will be sworn in during the Haines City Com- According to Lori Edwards, Supervisor of Elections assessed, the final tally had Hall ahead, 682-680. mission meeting. for Polk County, close results are not uncommon in city “On election day, I was already concerned that I may Edwards said that she believes the recount in Haines elections. not have done enough (to be elected),” Hall said. “I City is a good reminder for everyone to get involved “It’s important to realize that recounts are a good knew I was going up against a two-term incumbent and and vote. thing,” Edwards said. “They are a safety valve.” it was going to be difficult.” “It’s worth your time and effort to get out and vote On April 8, Hall and Mason watched as the machine When it was announced that a recount would have because every vote counts,” she said. recount was done in the Election Office in Bartow, re- to be done, Hall said she prayed that luck be with her.

Polk County’s Building Division to open satellite office for residential permit requests POLK COUNTY — Polk County Building Division more information about office hours and permit re- www.polknewssun.com staff announced the opening of a second permitting of- quirements. fice for customers’ convenience on April 15. To apply for a residential same-day permit, customers www.winterhavensun.com The new office is located at 28039 U.S. 27 in the can start an application online by selecting the online Dundee Plaza. Staff at this office will assist customers permitting icon, or they with same-day residential permitting requests. There can use the kiosks located will be no commercial permit issuance or review at this in the office. office. Once the application has The office hours will mirror those at the main office been initiated and a permit in Bartow: Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 number has been assigned, p.m., and 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the second and fourth customers will bring the Tuesdays of each month. permit number confirma- Customers must be in the queue with a permit ap- tion sheet, along with any plication number by noon for applications that involve required supplemental plan review and mobile home set-ups, and 1:30 p.m. documents, to the office for all other residential permit requests. Please visit the to continue the permitting county’s website at www.polk-county.net/building for process.



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Notice is hereby given that the City of Bartow is accepting applications for the following voluntary advisory board(s):

¾ Citizen’s Advisory Committee ¾ Joint Airport Zoning Board (Alternate) ¾ Municipal Police Officers’ Retirement Trust Fund Board ¾ Zoning Board of Adjustment

To obtain an application or board description contact the City Clerk’s Office at (863) 534-0100 ext. 1256 or visit the City Clerk section on the City’s website: www.cityofbartow.net Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Page 7 WINTER HAVEN Families, vendors enjoy Saturday Farmers Market in Central Park On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, a Saturday Farmers Market is held in downtown Winter Haven at Central Park and families and vendors alike converged on Central Park April 13. The free event is pet-friendly and included food trucks, antiques, artists, artisan products and local crafts, local fresh goods, kettle corn and much more. The next event is an addition to the usual schedule: the 5th Annual 863 Local Fi- Art Fest is this Saturday, April 20. For more information on that event, as well as the regularly occurring market on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, visit facebook.com/2ndand4thSaturdayMarketsInDowntownWinterHaven/. — PHOTOS BY BILL SIEGEL

It was a busy Saturday for vendors at the Farmers Market.

Janice and Richard Pealer Violeta Cabanas and Ilda Guerrero

Vendors offered a wide assortment of choices for those attending the market. FLORIDA SEMINOLES POSTCARDS AND PERCEPTIONS A traveling exhibit from the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum MARCH 26 - MAY 31, 2019

Kettle corn was a hot commodity at the Winter Haven Farmers Market April 13. Terry Green and his loyal companion Niko enjoy the festivities. Special Speaker Presentation by ANDREW FRANK ‘†‡”„›”ƒ†‹–‹‘ǣ ‘˜ƒ–‹‘ƒ†–Š‡ ”ƒ•ˆ‘”ƒ–‹‘‘ˆ–Š‡‡‹‘Ž‡—Ž–—”‡ Thursday, April 25 @ 6 PM

LAKE WALES MUSEUM 863.676.1759 Ken Ouellette, left, Curtis Johnson, Karen Ouellette, Ryan Johnson and Nicole Johnson www.lakewalesfl.gov had a great time Saturday at the Winter Haven Farmers Market. Page 8 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 City staff, SWFWMD finalize water study agreement By CHARLES A. BAKER III future demand. into the ground. Some say Tampa leads the nation in Staff Writer Experts say the cost of making salt water the main this process. source of potable water in Polk County would likely The PRWC board is also studying the feasibility of re- WINTER HAVEN – On April 8, the Winter Haven mean future water bills could be as much as four times charging the aquifer in Polk County using storm water City Commission and staff with the Southwest Florida as they are now. and reclaimed water, but the money budgeted toward Water Management District finalized an amendment to After building a desalination in the Tampa area, over this purpose is much less than the amount of money their agreement to study the feasibility of using high- the past couple of decades, staff working with the City budgeted toward their desalination plans. ly-treated wastewater to recharge the Upper Floridan of Tampa have started pumping lots of reclaimed water Aquifer under Winter Haven in the coming years. The developer of a proposed development called City commission proclaims Earth Day, Harmony at Lake Eloise has agreed to have the study conducted on his property. The amendment to the recognizes conservation advocate original agreement was necessary because contract By CHARLES A. BAKER III dren will want to stay, not negotiations between the city and the developer took Staff Writer Month, a group of people more time than was originally budgeted. move away.” in Lakeland have formed Wastewater from the City of Winter Haven’s water WINTER HAVEN – “All of us who have Howell-Coleman re- a group called the Virtu- treatment plant number three would be piped to the The Winter Haven City worked here for decades minded those in atten- al Run Challenge. Their property and pumped into the ground. The feasibility Commission recently pro- are so proud of the way the dance that April was water collective goal is to run study started in January and a final report is tentatively claimed Monday, April 22, city has evolved into an at- conservation month. the distance around the scheduled to be complete by September 2020. as Earth Day and recog- tractive, walkable, green, “We really do appreciate equator over the course of Ground flow modeling is scheduled to start in No- nized a longtime advocate shaded community,” How- you,” Winter Haven Mayor April. Search @virtualrun- vember. of conservation. ell-Coleman said. “The Pro Tem Nat Birdsong told challenge online to learn “It is the hope that this project will help establish For around 19 years, Chain of Lakes are our Howell-Coleman. more about this group. partnerships with other future development projects to Francis Howell-Coleman largest asset, a place chil- Last year, the city cele- Project Eagle, an event create multiple water resource benefits in the Winter has been a member of dren want to stay. We pro- brated Earth Day with an when volunteers gather to Haven area, including water supply, lake level manage- the Lakes Advisory Com- tect them and do every- urban tree giveaway, but clean trash from the shores ment and hydrologic restoration,” city documents state. mittee and a member of thing we can to enhance this year there are not as of the Chain of Lakes, is Experts say there is not enough water in the Upper the Ancient Islands Sierra the quality and quantity of many Earth Day activities April 27. Volunteers nor- Floridan Aquifer to meet population growth by 2040. Club, of which she cur- our water supply and we in Polk County. mally gather at Lake Shipp Right now the Polk Regional Water Cooperative has rently serves as club trea- have got a good start on Circle B Bar Reserve has Park starting at around budgeted $23 million to study the feasibility of using surer. leaving a wonderful lega- an Earth Day Nature tour 8 a.m. The event is spon- salt water in the Lower Floridan Aquifer to meet this The city asked her to re- cy for future generations, April 23 starting at 9:30 sored by Keep Winter Ha- ceive the proclamation. a place in which our chil- a.m. As part of Earth Day ven Clean and Beautiful.

Sizzlin Smokin BBQ raises money for UWCF BUDGET AIR SUPPLY 84069 Whole House Duct Cleaning $99 with 39 point purchase of A/C tune up for tune up only $69 EVENING AND WEEKEND SERVICE - NO AFTER HOURS CHARGE PHOTO PROVIDED BY DONNA SHEEHAN/ CITY OF WINTER HAVEN The 2019 Sizzlin Smokin BBQ raised $7,861 for the United Way of Central Flor- SALES ida. The check was presented during the April 8 Winter Haven City Commission meeting. SERVICE The Feb. 8 event pit city employees against each other to see who could make the INSTALLATION best BBQ. Se Habla Español REPAIR Tim McGee of the fire department won first place for his “Whiskey Bent” flavor. #CAC1818793 Winter Haven Police Officer Steve Rusich won second place and People’s Choice for his “Buzzkill” flavor. BUDGETAIRSUPPLY.COM 863.248.5900 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Page 9 BARTOW Commissioner, mayor lead charge against bills challenging Home Rule By JEFF ROSLOW corporations profit. How can that be right?” Last week in the Legislature, Commerce Committee Contributing Writer In protesting HB 693 -- the bill regarding the place- members voted 13-11 to not move the HB 987 forward. ment of small cell communications equipment -- Pfeiffer Much of that was due to having eight amendments on BARTOW – A Bartow stated to the Commerce Committee that it could be which it lost votes. Reports suggest Republican House City Commissioner last dangerous in some counties, writing, “New poles should members on the committee may bring the bill back. week sent two letters to the not be automatically allowed. Cities are purposely lim- The Home Rule fight was brought further into the Florida Commerce Com- iting potential projectiles in our hurricane prone com- public eye by Bartow Mayor Leo Longworth, who is also mittee in the state Legis- munities by moving utility lines underground. Existing the president of the Florida League of Cities. lature protesting two bills law recognizes this and allows cities to negotiate place- Longworth has made the Home Rule fight at the top -- one allowing the state to ment of small cell wireless equipment accordingly. Un- of the League’s agenda. He has been campaigning to get regulate short term rentals doing this consideration flies in the face of existing and the public to contact their legislators. in all of Florida counties expensive efforts to protect residents and keep services “Land-use and zoning issues should be local issues, and one protesting state connected.” period,” Longworth said. “It’s not for Tallahassee and regulation of the place- Pfeiffer wrote that this bill would allow communica- the legislators.” Trish Pfeiffer ment of small cell commu- tion providers to move to the “front of the line” in the He added, “we feel short term rentals and small cell nications equipment. permit process, serving special interests rather than antennas is preempting cities … taking away their abil- “As the industry has grown, the Department of Busi- people in the communities. ity to govern. They are trying to say they know better ness and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has done Both letters relate to what many municipalities in about our neighborhoods. One of the easiest ways for nothing to ensure compliance with current state licens- Florida – both cities and counties – are protesting to citizens to get involved is to sign up on the Florida ing requirements. DBPR is overworked and under- the Legislature as Home Rule. That refers to a 1968 state League of Cities website.” staffed. DBPR could not handle the administrative bur- Constitution revision the public voted on. Longworth said a press conference near the Florida den created by vacation rentals after local governments “Any house can be a vacation rental,” Pfeiffer said. Senate in Tallahassee was held about vacation rentals. were preempted in 2011 and is even less equipped to do Pfeifer cited Bartow’s famous Wonderhouse as an ex- The people there were in protest of the proposed law. so now. This is a problem,” a letter from Commission- ample, suggesting it could be bought by a corporation “They were saying things the League of Cities has er Trish Pfeiffer protesting HB 987 on vacation rentals, and -- despite it being in residential zoning in a neigh- been saying,” Longworth said. “We know what works said. borhood -- the city of Bartow could not take part in reg- best on we want to regulate them. Let that stay local. “A solution is needed that balances the property rights ulating how it is run under the proposed law. And, Longworth said, the protest won’t back down. of ALL,” the letter said. “How is this bill protecting the “Because of the Legislature our hands are tied,” Pfeiffer “We will continue to advocate forever,” he said. “As houses in neighborhoods next to these commercial said. “It’s a very lucrative business, but we can’t regulate long as we are citizens in Florida they will continue to rentals? Issues with unruly behavior, parking and pub- it. It can overload a sewer system, solid waste, parking. hear from us on the bills we like and the bills we don’t lic safety are destroying the residential character of tra- This may be OK for the stakeholders. This is what the like.” ditional neighborhoods. Residents are suffering while Legislature stuck us with.” Esther Reed, Clara Barton remembered by Daughters of the American Revolution By GAY HARLOWE lief efforts. Bartow members spent many hours crocheting, knitting Guest Writer Clara Barton collected bandages and other supplies and sewing more than 20 blankets for children. The large during the Civil War. She nursed soldiers at 16 battle- blankets will be sent to Snowball Express Project for chil- As March was Women’s History Month, the Bartow fields, where she was called “Angel of the Battlefield.” After dren of fallen military heroes, and the small blankets will Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution re- the war, she traveled to Europe and became aware of the go to the Linus Project for other needy children. membered two early women at their monthly meeting. Switzerland-based Red Cross. Upon her return home, she Members also filled surprise “Boxes for Soldiers” that Esther Reed organized 39 ladies who raised $300,000 founded the American Red Cross in 1881 and served as its were mailed to 13 soldiers in Afghanistan, Japan, West Af- for the Continental army during the Revolutionary War. president until 1904. rica, Iraq, Korea and several states. One box went to a new Gen. George Washington suggested the money be used to An ardent supporter of women’s suffrage, she was in- father whose first child was born while he was stationed sew shirts for soldiers, and the women made 2,200 shirts. ducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1973. overseas. Women from other colonies joined in similar military re- To honor these women, KiDs EaT

FrEeBartow Location Only 2Q78(6 6$7 IURP$0WR30 BBQ lovers 10 PHOTO PROVIDED 595 N. Broadway Ave and under eat Bartow, FL From left: Regent Doris Wooden, Kerry Kennedy, Paula Olive, Harriet Campbell, Sharon Snyder, Gay Har- 863.534.1429 for FREE. lowe, Cheryl Reeder, Linda Munroe, Martha Bolton, Rozy Scott, Pam Irvin, Kathy Belcher and Clarice Roth. www.sonnysbbq.com Page 10 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 LAKE WALES New commissioner Al Lake Wales Main Street earns national accreditation By CHARLES A. BAKER III Lake Wales Main Street is one of 829 Main Street or- Goldstein to be sworn Staff Writer ganizations to receive national accreditation last year. According to a press release, in 2017 Main Street in May 7 LAKE WALES – Lake Wales Main Street Executive America programs generated $4.48 billion in local re- Director Karen Thompson recently received a letter in investment, helped open 6,211 new businesses, gener- By CHARLES A. BAKER III the mail that put a smile on her face from ear to ear. ated 30,294 jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,737 Staff Writer Back in June, the organization was designated with historic buildings and clocked 2.7 million volunteer national accreditation from Main Street America -- the hours. LAKE WALES – Mayor Eugene Fultz and Commis- national organization over local Main Street branches Lake Wales Main Street is currently spearheading an sioner Curtis Gibson won their bids to be reelected to -- for exhibiting the ability to pass 10 vigorous stan- effort to revitalize and redesign the downtown Lake the Lake Wales City Commission April 2. Al Goldstein dards of performance. Wales neighborhood. Staff are also leading a grant pro- won by default when incumbent Tonya Stewart decided “Florida Main Street just got around to sending of- gram to help bring more restaurants to Lake Wales. not to run for reelection. ficial paperwork to the city recently,” Thompson said. Prior to the election, commissioners served for two “I’m still as proud today.” years. Around 59 percent of voted to change term limits from two to three years. With the approved amend- Polk Avenue Elementary earns prestigious ment, Mayor Fultz will be on the commission for the next three years. Goldstein and Gibson were elected to ‘Lighthouse School’ honor two year terms. LAKE WALES – Many people are aware of the impact great examples of a strong leadership model and process, Goldstein spoke at the April 3 city commission meet- that Steven Covey’s “7 Habit’s of Highly Effective People” and of what it means to be a Leader in Me school. This ing as a private resident, congratulating the mayor and has had on the business world. school has experienced transformational results by imple- Commissioner Curtis Gibson for winning their respec- One Lake Wales Charter school has been using it for menting the principles and practices related to Leader in tive races. Goldstein, a Republican who lives in the Lake eight years now as one of the foundations of its education- Me. And, we are so pleased and honored to celebrate the Ashton subdivision, represents parts of the city north of al approach. success they are experiencing.” said company President Mountain Lake Cutoff Road. Recently, Polk Avenue Elementary was honored as a Sean Covey. Results of the April 2 election were subsequently prestigious Leader in Me “Lighthouse School.” While The schools hallways and classrooms are covered with verified by the Lake Wales Canvassing Board with the thousands of schools across the United States use the pro- posters and signs reminding students about the culture same results. gram, only a few hundred schools have earned the Light- the program strives to create — not only for students, but Of the three candidates, Commissioner Curtis Gib- house designation. their families and charter system staff. son received the most votes with 1,110. Mayor Fultz Leader in Me helps students learn how to become The all-inclusive program actually builds its base from received 995 votes. This will be the third term for the self-reliant, take initiative, plan ahead, set and track goals, different, but similar sources, integrating several leader- mayor and second for Gibson. By far, most Lake Wales do their homework, prioritize their time, manage their ship, social-emotional learning, quality, and educational residents voted by absentee ballot. emotions, be considerate of others, express their view- models and processes from past and current thought lead- point persuasively, resolve conflicts, find creative solu- ers including “The 4 Imperatives of Great Leaders” and tions, value differences and live a balanced life, according “The 4 Disciplines of Execution.” to officials from Franklin Covey Education. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is also a key “We really believe these skills are the skills that are going component of the overall Leader in Me process and is a to help our children in the future to be great family people, synthesis of universal, timeless principles of personal, in- great community members, people that are really employ- terpersonal, and organizational effectiveness, such as re- able and have skills that are needed today. That’s our end sponsibility, vision, integrity, teamwork, collaboration and goal, just to help everybody be a better human,” Principal renewal. Gail Quam noted. “We have seen amazing results from implementing the This recognition is evidence that the school has pro- Leader in Me process at our school,” Quam added. “One duced outstanding results in school and student outcomes, example is a student who in the past had a difficult time by implementing the Leader in Me process with fidelity behaving in school and now is a member of our Student and excellence. It is also because of the extraordinary im- Lighthouse Team, helping to give leadership to the school. PHOTO BY CHARLES A. BAKER III Newly elected Lake Wales Commissioner Al Goldstein, who will be pact the school is having on staff, students, parents, and This process not only has had a significant impact on this sworn in May 7, addressed the commission April 3. the greater community, company officials added. student, but on all students. And we expect to see greater “Schools who achieve this Lighthouse Certification are results over time.”

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1151 TOWER BOULEVARD | LAKE WALES, FL 33853 8636761408 | BOKTOWERGARDENS.ORG Page 12 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 WORSHIP DIRECTORY Winter Haven Elite travel baseball discover a place of worship near you program sees early successes By STEVEN RYZEWSKI Executive Editor JOIN US FOR EASTER! WINTER HAVEN — Thomas Adams and other Winter Haven area baseball April 21 parents remember the com- mutes. Breakfast 8:45 am; Worship 10:00 am Without a dedicated trav- Join us on April 21 for Easter Sunday! el baseball organization in Winter Haven, parents of We will worship together as we celebrate the ballplayers were having to resurrection of our Savior! find club organizations based elsewhere. It was problemat- 7 am - Community-wide Sunrise Service at Mosiac Park ic, especially considering the importance travel baseball 8:45 am - Easter Breakfast at Church (in the Ministry Center) PHOTOS PROVIDED has taken on in addition to 10:00 am - Easter Worship Service The Winter Haven Elite 11U Navy team has already qualified for the traditional Little League or GSA World Series in Clearwater. Babe Ruth Baseball. “A lot of those kids from the area were having to drive to Lakeland or Tampa to play First Baptist Church Bartow travel,” Adams recalled. 410 East Church St., Bartow FL 33830 Former Winter Haven Mayor Steven Hunnicutt had heard the frustrations, too. His 863-533-9055 grandchildren were among those who had to travel out of East Polk, and while he was in office he would field questions beyond those concerning millage rates and zoning ordi- nances. “A lot of people kept coming to me saying ‘how come we can’t do (a travel baseball orga- nization) here?’” Hunnicutt said. Freewill Baptist Church New Life Holy Cross From that genesis, Winter Haven Elite Baseball was created. The locally-based travel Pastor, Mike Scorsome Episcopal Church baseball organization currently has four teams and is in its second season this spring after 1125 Hwy 17 South BAPTIST CHURCH 201 Kipling Lane a successful debut in the fall. Bartow, FL • Sunday School 10 am 33830 Winter Haven, FL 33884 Hunnicutt, the president and director of the organization, says that the response has 863.533.4734 • Morning Worship 11 am 863-324-4021 been strong. • Sunday Evening 6 pm holycrosswinterhaven.com “We thought we were only going to have two teams (at the start), but we posted the try- KJV Fundamental Premilennial • Wed Evening 7 pm Rev. Deke Miller, Vicar outs for fall ball and had 91 kids come out,” Hunnicutt said, adding that 133 tried out for *KJV Bible Preaching Sunday Worship •Southern Gospel Music Only *Hymns & Spiritual Songs the four teams playing this spring. Pastor Maurice Thompson Rite I 8:00 a.m. •Sunday School 10:00 am Rite II with Music 10:00 a.m. What’s more, beyond the enthusiastic participation, the teams Winter Haven Elite has •Sunday Morning 11:00 am 624 North Ingraham Ave field have been competitive and earned success on the field. Lakeland, FL 33801 Children’s Chapel and •Sunday Night 6:00 pm Sunday School Among other successes, Elite’s 12U team won the state championship tournament in the •Wednesday Night 7:00 pm 863.229.6337 During 10:00 service fall. The organization’s two 11U teams have had success, too, with the 11U Navy team in “ALL WELCOME” Wednesday Night Dinner particular has had a strong spring and after a recent tournament championship has quali- and Bible Study 6:00 p.m. fied for the GSA World Series in Clearwater — all fees paid. That team is coached by Brian JOIN US Good Friday: 12 noon & 6:30 pm Coconato. Saturday,BETHEL June 30th Everyone Easter Services: 8:00am & 10:00 am The 12U team that won in the fall is coached by Adams, who says his team doesn’t nec- BAPTIST10:00 CHURCH am Welcome essarily have the most talented players but rather has players that do the little things and Newly Re-Opened LIGHTHOUSE do them well. BBQAfter fundraiser 2015 Fire. BARTOW for Renovation of Church BAPTIST CHURCH “We’re not a big team,” Adams said. “What we do well is we pitch well, we play good CHURCH OF GOD Independent Baptist Join FellowshipUs Sundays Hall. defense and we get timely hitting.” at 11AM 1460 East Stuart St 307 ABC Rd, Lake Wales Indeed, Adams’ squad has shown a resilience that, for a young travel organization, could (3 miles S of SR 60 on US 27) 2143 Hwy 60 West, Bartow, FL 33830 well become a trait of Elite’s culture. For context, many travel tournaments involve pool 863.868.8603 David Williams, Pastor play on Saturday before elimination games on Sunday. Lake Wales Old-Fashioned Preaching “We’ve had a lot of teams who’ve beat us on Saturday and we wind up beating them when (near Airport Rd.) Elwood F. Kern, Pastor Sunday School, 10:00am & Hymns-KJV Bible it really matters on Sunday,” Adams said. “We’ve got a team that really never gives up.” PastorJOIN Keith US! Wolfe Morning Worship, 11:00am Sunday School, 9:30am Those interested in becoming involved with Winter Haven Elite can visit the organiza- 863-585-5809 Sunday Evening, 6:00pm Sunday Morning, 10:30am tion’s website at www.winterhavenelitebaseball.com, or the organization’s Facebook page. Come with ! Wednesday, 7:00pm Sunday Night, 6:00pm As Hunnicutt tells it, the Wednesday Night, 7:00pm success on the field has been Catch up on sports, nice, but what matters most 863.804.3279 [email protected] 638-2040 is providing a platform for shopping deals, Where You Work, Play & Live local youth ballplayers. “All I want to do is give the restaurant reviews, kids who live here, in Win- ter Haven, an opportunity events, new businesses, compete at a different level,” Get your subscription today! Hunnicutt said. “To me, it’s politics, job openings, more about them and giving them the opportunity to do homes for sale, cars for something that they love.” sale and more 863.533.4183 The Winter Haven Elite 12U team won a state championship in the 52 Weeks for $47.99 fall and is eager to find more success this spring. with your local newspaper! 26 Weeks for $28.82

863.533.4183 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Page 13 COUNTY SPORTS Athlete of the Week: Alexandra Dilts Sponsored by Bond Clinic By STEVEN RYZEWSKI Executive Editor competing against another team is my favorite thing two seniors who were starters. I looked up to them and about the sport. one of them (Anizya Vargas) would hit clutch home The Winter Haven softball team is 11-10 but has won runs. That was really cool. … She had a good attitude, four of its past six games and has seen strong play from Do you have a favorite team to compete against? too. senior Alexandra “Ally” Dilts. Dilts, a utility infielder I like playing Lake Region. We know a lot of the people who starts at second base for the Blue Devils, is hitting (in that program) and it gets very rivalrous. Who is your funniest teammate? .430 and plays great defense, according to head coach Casey Kurent. Steve Ricks. How did you come to be signed to South Florida She is committed to play her college softball at South State? What do you think you would like to do for a career? Florida State College in Avon Park. I got in contact with the coach and he asked me to come I’m thinking about being a lawyer, because they make out to a practice. (South Florida State) was my only big bank. Everyone says I’m good at arguing and, if I What’s changed for you during the course of the sea- (scholarship) offer so of course I’m going to take it -- I have the facts, yeah I’m good at arguing. But it’s mainly son such that you’re playing better recently? want my college paid for. because of the money. Probably my confidence and I’ve been really working at it and concentrating on getting better in the game. How long ago did you start playing softball? What’s your favorite subject in school? I started in coach pitch. I stopped playing for three years Writing -- I’ll write about my life, anything. I love writ- What’s it like to be a senior in the program? and then after that I went right in to travel ball. I wasn’t ing and letting people know what’s in my thoughts. It’s sad -- it’s like ‘wow, this is really my last year.’ I’m very good but then I went into this one team, the Lady going to make the best of it and I’m going Devils, and they taught me What are some of your favorite places you have been? to make it my biggest year and my most so much. I became a whole I’ve been to South Carolina for my brother’s Marines successful year. I’m going to do everything different player. graduation and I’ve been to Mississippi. I can to make it that way. Have you had any team- If you could travel anywhere, where would you go What does this team have to do to be mates whom you look up and why? successful in the district tournament? to? I’d go to Panama, because I have family there that I’ve Just work as a team, stay focused through- Well, last year we only had never met and that’s part of my blood. out the whole game and lift each other up. We have to stay as a team. U.S. Open Cup coming to Polk as What do you like about softball? About Alexandra Lakeland Tropics host game May 7 That’s a hard one, I Year: Senior really like every- Position: Utility LAKELAND – One of a U.S. Open Cup game,” falo advanced to the play- thing. Probably Hits: Switch the world’s longest contin- said Tropics CEO Dr. offs on a tiebreaker. Throws: Right ually operated soccer tour- Panos Iakovidis. “May 7th In all, the tournament Height: 5-foot-2 naments is coming to Polk will be about great soccer will boast a field of 84 County for the first time in and the pride of being in- times, including a record history. volved in one of the great 52 professional teams. The The Lakeland Trop- events in the sport. We are first round will commence ics, getting ready to start thrilled for everyone, and May 7-8 and consist of six their third season in USL can’t wait to welcome one Division III (USL League League Two on May 11, of our biggest rivals to play One) pro clubs and 32 will host The Villages SC in our biggest game ever.” Open Division teams Buffalo in the first round The rival was almost (USL League Two, Nation- of the Lamar Hunt U.S. instantaneous, as The Vil- al Premier Soccer League, Open Cup on Tuesday, lages SC provided the op- local qualifiers) in head- May 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Lake position in May 2017 in to-head, single-elimina- Myrtle Sports Park Stadi- Lakeland’s first ever USL tion competition. um in Auburndale. game, which drew over The second round fol- It is the second straight 6,000 fans to Bryant Stadi- lows on May 14-15 and year the Tropics have um. The two heavyweights introduces 25 Division II earned a berth in event, traded shots before the (USL Championship) pro- which has been held every Tropics pulled out a 4-3 fessional sides. Division year since 1914. However, win, and also took a 3-1 I Major League Soccer last spring, Lakeland had road win against the Buf- teams enter in the Fourth to travel to Midland, Tex- falo as well. Round on June 12. The as, for its first round game, Lakeland holds a 2-1- opponent and venue for losing 3-0. 1 advantage in the four the winner of the Tropics “This is a great culmi- games played between the opening round game will nation of several years of teams over the past two be announced on April 17. hard work by the team, years. Every game of the 2019 coaches, and our orga- The two teams finished U.S. Open Cup, including nization as a whole, and tied for second in the USL those in the First and Sec- most importantly, a great League Two Southeastern ond Rounds, will be avail- reward for our community Division with identical able for fans to watch on and fans to be able to host 9-3-2 records, but the Buf- ESPN+. Page 14 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 FEELING FIT The ‘ripe’ time for cataract surgery By WILLIAM CORKINS, O.D. Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida

Whenever I tell a patient that he or she has cataracts when Medicare used the criteria of 20/50. my patients’ eyes annually, I listen for complaints. If the they immediately ask if they need to have surgery. If, with the best glasses, your corrected vision was patient is happy with his or her vision and is function- We start thinking about cataract surgery whenever worse than 20/50, then the cataract was “ripe” and ing well visually, we schedule a follow-up appointment the patient’s quality of life is affected. Common com- Medicare would pay 80 percent of the cataract proce- in one year. plaints include, “I can’t read road signs,” or “I can’t read dure. If the patient becomes symptomatic before then, they the writing on TV,” or “I can’t read small print.” We have learned that using 20/50 as the criteria for know to schedule an appointment sooner so we can If I cannot make the glasses prescription better, then cataract surgery is not adequate. Glare from the cat- talk about cataract surgery. we start to consider surgery. aract is a more debilitating problem. You can have a Another very common complaint that drives cataract person who can read the 20/20 Snellen line, but under Dr. Corkins served as a Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve surgery is glare at night caused by oncoming headlights glare conditions this person’s vision drops to 20/80 or and still has a passion for aviation. He sees patients at or rainy nights. worse! the Lakeland-Edgewood location for Eye Specialists of I often hear from patients, “I thought you did cataract I explain this to my patients and they understand that Mid-Florida. surgery when it was ripe.” Cataracts are not tomatoes the doctor is not the person who decides when to do — they do not get ripe! This expression came about cataract surgery — the patient does. When I examine

Watson Clinic ENT Department welcomes new medical provider Lakeland – Wat- land and across the country. Mr. George believed that Innovators in EMS award. He recently co-authored son Clinic recently for an organization to be truly successful, it must give the article, “On-Scene Management of Pediatric announced the ar- back to the community. He set the example for Publix Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Results in Improved rival of an additional associates by giving his time, money and talent to the Survival,” published in the Journal of Resuscitation. medical provider to communities that Publix operates in – and Lakeland Banerjee also serves as an Assistant Professor of its otolaryngology Regional Health has been fortunate to be a beneficiary Emergency Medicine at the University of Central Flor- (ENT) department. of that generosity. Publix Super Markets Charities and ida’s College of Medicine, where he recently earned the Anissa B. Hohnst- the George Jenkins Foundation are two very vibrant Early Career Investigator Award for Achievement in reiter, MSN, APRN, examples of how Mr. George’s spirit of caring for the Research. works alongside community continues to impact generations to come.” The special program highlighting the honorees took board-certified oto- “We continue to be profoundly touched by the legacy place in the Mulaney Family Auditorium at the Carol laryngologist Jeffrey that George Jenkins left behind,” said Ginny Houghton, Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children. A. Paffrath, MD,Lakeland Regional Health Foundation Board Chair. “We are so blessed to be surrounded by a community from both the Wat- “We are so grateful for the crucial support that his that generously supports the important work we do ev- son Clinic Bella Vista Foundation provides to allow us to deliver nationally ery day,” said Elaine C. Thompson, PhD, FACHE, Lake- Building location at recognized healthcare.” land Regional Health President and CEO. “Our donors 1755 N. Florida Ave. Regarding Banerjee, the statement read: “As long- play such a vital role in ensuring we deliver the best in Lakeland and Watson Clinic Highlands at 2300 E. time Medical Director of Polk County Fire Rescue, outcomes and safest care to the patients and families we County Rd. 540A in south Lakeland. Dr. Banerjee is committed to strengthening the health are privileged to serve.” Her addition to Dr. Paffrath’s practice results in ex- of this community and panded appointment availability and an exceptional is constantly innovating quality of care. to find timelier protocols Mary Montsko, M.D. will be leaving Hohnstreiter received her Bachelor of Science in and the latest equipment Nursing degree from the University of South Florida to increase the number of in Tampa and her Master of Science in Nursing degree lives saved each day. He WellMed at St. Isabel effective from Florida Southern College in Lakeland. She has ex- is a key collaborator on tensive clinical experience, is a licensed advanced regis- an initiative that ensures April 12, 2019. tered nurse practitioner and is a member of the Florida Lakeland Regional Health Association of Nurse Practitioners as well as the Polk offers the timeliest acute County Advanced Practice Nurses Association. heart attack care possible Patients and medical records will be relocating to: For more information and to schedule an appoint- by authorizing paramedics ment with Ms. Hohnstreiter, please call (863) 680-7486. to signal the on-call cardi- ac interventional team at WellMed at Bayside Lakeland Regional Health announces 2019 Philan- Lakeland Regional Health thropist and Advocate of the Year honorees Medical Center. Dr. Baner- 2706 W. St. Isabel Street | Tampa, FL 33607 Lakeland Regional Health honored the legacy of jee also helped establish a George W. Jenkins as Philanthropist of the Year and direct-to-catheterization 813-876-9961 Paul R. Banerjee, DO, as Advocate of the Year at its an- initiative that speeds up nual Philanthropist and Advocate of the Year program lifesaving care for those For questions or on Tuesday, April 16. experiencing potentially A release from Lakeland Regional stated: “As the late fatal heart blockages.” copies of medical founder of Publix Super Markets Inc., Jenkins created In 2017, Banerjee was records call: a legacy of caring that is carried out every day in Lake- honored with the EMS10: 813-876-9961 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Page 15 FEELING FIT Wellness Calendar April 27 291-5656 for more informa- competitively around the JUDD JOG 5K - 8 a.m. tion. Ages 16 and up. Rotary world. No Partner Needed! The Judd Jog is an annual Park Clubhouse, 350 Sixth St. Call (863) 291-5656 for more 5k presented by Polk Sheriff’s NE, Winter Haven. information. Winter Haven Charities, Inc. with all pro- Senior Adult Center, 250 S. Don’t let cataracts ceeds benefiting the United TUESDAY Lake Silver Dr., Winter Hav- Way. The course is paved and Wellness with Isabel en. slow you down! begins and ends at the front 10:30-11:30 a.m. of the Polk County Sheriff’s A 60 minute low-impact to- Ballroom Dance - 6-7 p.m. Office main office in Winter tal body workout that includes Instructor Susan Staton Haven. There will be addition- aerobic, strengthening, bal- teaches beginner/intermedi- al activities available for your ance and flexibility modalities. ate ballroom dance for all ages family and friends during the It provides an intense workout — a style of dance which is en- event, including: Polk County that is easily modified for be- joyed both socially and com- Sheriff’s Office Special Opera- ginners. Winter Haven Senior petitively around the world. tions vehicles on display, K-9 Adult Center, 250 South Lake No Partner Needed! Call meet and greet, and more! Re- Silver Dr., NW, Winter Haven. (863) 291-5656 for more in- strooms will be available for For more information, call formation. Winter Haven Se- public use during the event. (863) 291-5870. $1 resident/ nior Adult Center, 250 S. Lake More info: juddjog.org. $2 non-resident, registration Silver Dr., Winter Haven. required. April 29 THURSDAY TO YOUR HEALTH! WEDNESDAY Wellness with Isabel PLAN SMART - RETHINK Low-Impact Exercise 10:30-11:30 a.m. WHAT YOU EAT - Noon Class 9:30-10:15 a.m. A 60 minute low-impact to- This workshop will focus This low-impact aerobic tal body workout that includes on meal-planning, including exercise class uses the Rich- aerobic, strengthening, bal- how to repurpose leftovers. ard Simmon’s Silver Fox vid- ance and flexibility modalities. With just a few staples in your eo tape, which is played on a It provides an intense workout pantry, you can make a tasty large screen television. This is that is easily modified for be- “new’”meal. We’ll use “My an excellent workout for all fit- ginners. Winter Haven Senior Plate” as a base for meals and ness levels. Winter Haven Se- Adult Center, 250 South Lake snacks, while making meal nior Adult Center, 250 South Silver Dr., NW, Winter Haven. prep and eating a special Lake Silver Dr., NW, Winter For more information, call event! A light, healthy lunch Haven. For more information, (863) 291-5870. $1 resident/ will be served. The class is call (863) 291-5870. Registra- $2 non-resident, registration When is the right time for cataract surgery? When the free, however, registration is tion required. Free. required. required. Call (836) 678-4004, cataract blurs vision enough to interfere with normal ext. 221, to register. Chair Yoga FRIDAY 10:30-11:30 a.m. Low-Impact Exercise daily activities, such as driving and enjoying hobbies, MONDAY Chair yoga is designed for Class 9:30-10:15 a.m. it’s time to schedule surgery. Low-Impact Exercise seniors and focuses on flex- This low-impact aerobic Class - 9:30-10:15 a.m. ibility, strengthening, stress exercise class uses the Rich- We offer the latest technology in laser-assisted This low-impact aerobic reduction and relaxation. En- ard Simmon’s Silver Fox vid- exercise class uses the Rich- joy the benefits of yoga sitting eo tape, which is played on a cataract surgery, so you can quickly return to the ard Simmon’s Silver Fox vid- in a chair rather than getting large screen television. This is activities you love! eo tape, which is played on a up and down from the floor. an excellent workout for all fit- large screen television. This is Winter Haven Senior Adult ness levels. Winter Haven Se- an excellent workout for all fit- Center, 250 South Lake Silver nior Adult Center, 250 South Schedule an eye exam ness levels. Winter Haven Se- Dr., NW, Winter Haven. For Lake Silver Dr., NW, Winter nior Adult Center, 250 South more information, call (863) Haven. For more information, appointment today Lake Silver Dr., NW, Winter 291-5870. Registration re- call (863) 291-5870. Registra- Haven. For more information, quired. Free. tion required. Free. call (863) 291-5870. Registra- tion required. Free. Tai Chi - 1:30 p.m. Chair Yoga 800-282-EYES (3937) | eyesfl.com Experience the gentle flow- 10:30-11:30 a.m. Strength and Cardio ing movements of Tai Chi, Chair yoga is designed for 10:45-11:45 a.m. and treat your whole body to seniors and focuses on flex- A total body workout that a gentle and relaxing workout. ibility, strengthening, stress includes aerobic, strengthen- Winter Haven Senior Adult reduction and relaxation. En- ing, balance, and flexibility Center, 250 South Lake Silver joy the benefits of yoga sitting modalities. Winter Haven Se- Dr., NW, Winter Haven. For in a chair rather than getting nior Adult Center, 250 South more information, call (863) up and down from the floor. Lake Silver Dr., NW, Winter 291-5870. $4 resident/ $5 Winter Haven Senior Adult Haven. For more information, non-resident. Center, 250 South Lake Silver call (863) 291-5870. $1 resi- Dr., NW, Winter Haven. For dent/ $2 non-resident. West Coast Swing more information, call (863) 5-6 p.m. 291-5870. Registration re- Belly Dance - 6-7 p.m. Instructor Susan Staton quired. Free. Tribal Belly Dance classes teaches beginner/intermedi- are a fun way to lose weight ate West Coast Swing for all and build self confidence. Join ages — a style of dance which us on Mondays! Call (863) is enjoyed both socially and Page 16 Wednesday, April 17, 2019 VIEWPOINTS Sports rules: as flexible as a Slinky

As mentioned from time education class, we were taught that dribbling must be to time over the years, my accomplished with the finesse of a prima donna pirou- Letter the the Editor: classmates in the Summer- etting across the stage in Nutcracker Suite. Lawmakers should in- Currently, House Bill lin Institute Class of 1958 Double-dribbling consisted of stopping the dribble, vest in youth, Florida Po- (HB) 2651 and similar awarded me — with ample then resuming without passing the ball to a teammate. lice Athletic League pro- bills from the past were justification — the title of It also consisted of palming the ball, which was basi- grams. denied funding for the “Least Athletic.” cally catching the ball with one hand and carrying it a Proactively saving the Florida Police Athletic This does not mean that few steps before flipping it over and bouncing it again. lives of our youth with League Programs. If HB I do not enjoy sports as a The other once inviolable rule was traveling, which positive programs should 2651 would have been spectator activity. meant taking more than two (or was it three?) steps be a priority for Lawmak- passed, this year the Flor- Thinking Out Loud My two favorite spectator without taking a shot. ers serving the great state ida Police Athletic League S.L. Frisbie sports are (1) football and In the passage of 60 years or so, palming the ball has of Florida. Programs would have re- (2) whatever I am watching become routine, and traveling is called only if a player The Florida House of ceived $800,000-plus dol- one of my grandchildren neglects to bounce the ball once or twice while running Representatives and the lars throughout the state play. the entire length of the court. Florida State Senate are of Florida to provide: I am indebted to my son, Loyal — whose childhood A week or two ago, the outcome of one of the last majority ruled by the Re- mentoring, crime preven- plan was to become first baseman for the Chicago Cubs games in the basketball finals was said to be jeopardized publicans in the state of tion and intervention pro- — for helping me understand the ever-changing rules when a player who was dribbling the ball dropped it, Florida. Not all, but some, grams for our youth. of sports. chased it across the court, and picked it up to begin lawmakers are placing There are some cities Some are pretty basic. For example: dribbling again. higher priority on cor- nearby — Tampa, Orlan- • Decking an intended pass receiver hard enough to Veteran sportscasters said he should have been called rectional facilities versus do and Jacksonville — knock him into the eighth row of the end zone bleach- for double-dribbling, a term I didn’t think they even positive youth develop- that truly need the fund- ers is subject to being called pass interference, provided knew. ment programs like the ing to save youth lives. the ref is paying attention. A few weeks before that, a pass defender creamed an Florida Police Athletic Unless some State Law- • Soccer is a non-contact sport, which means that intended receiver hard enough to knock the numbers League Programs. makers are invested in knocking an opponent head over heels must be made off his jersey while the ball was still in the air nearly a I truly believe some for-profit correctional fa- to look unintentional. This rule actually has encour- county away. No infraction was called. Lawmakers in the state of cilities, why not pass HB aged a number of mediocre athletes to find promising There was discussion of putting foul calls or non-calls Florida are serving a small 2651 that provide services careers in acting. on instant replay, or at least allowing 12-year-olds to group of citizens within for the Florida Police Ath- Loyal has pointed out to me that in countries in which send them to friends on Snapchat. their circle of friends and letic League Programs? football (known in the U.S. as soccer) is a national ob- The sacred sports rules of my high school P.E. days not the majority of citi- Let’s save young youth session, when a player is tripped up by an opponent, he have become a relic of the past. zens. Passing House and lives. is required by local custom to grimace in pain as one Senate Bills pertaining to might with a life-threatening injury. our youth safety should Dr. Shandale Terrell Not until after the trippor has been penalized for the (S. L. Frisbie is retired. Despite his limited prowess in be the highest priority. Lakeland infraction is the trippee allowed to experience a mi- sports, he always made an A in P.E. in high school. All raculous recovery and trot happily back to rejoin his this required was remembering to dress out for class. teammates. This was roughly equivalent to remembering to bring a When I was taking basketball in high school physical slide rule to a math test.) Sound off! Readers of the Winter Haven Sun and the Polk News-Sun are Training Together for safety’s sake welcome to send Letters to the Editor for consideration for If you’ve lived in Polk when responding to an active shooter. publication. All entries must be fewer than 250 words and for any length of time, you We also began training every one of their members include the author’s full name and city of residence. Submis- know that when it comes how to react and respond to active shooter scenes. The sions should be emailed to [email protected] with “Letter to keeping people safe, our goal is to help PCFR safely and swiftly triage, treat and to the Editor” in the message title. city and county depart- transport potential victims as quickly as possible. ments are committed to Four years ago, our agency SWAT members respond- working together across ed to a scene on Executive Road in Winter Haven where jurisdictional and bureau- an armed suspect was barricaded inside a warehouse, cratic boundaries. shooting at responding units from his position. PCFR Editorial cartoon Polk County Sheriff Our Emergency Com- has, for many years, had tactically-trained paramedics munications Center assigned to our SWAT, equipped with similar protec- Grady Judd (ECC) answers 9-1-1 calls tive gear. During that scenario, paramedic John Mikula and dispatches for nearly was shot in the shoulder. every city police department in the county, as well as Fortunately, he wasn’t more seriously injured and was Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR). treated on-scene and quickly transported. Our deputies have automated external defibrillators During the aftermath of that incident and upon see- (AEDs) in their patrol cars and we have used them to ing the increase of active shooters nationwide, we col- save lives. laborated with PCFR on how to better equip and train Recently we had the opportunity to work with PCFR their members to respond to mass casualty incidents. to outfit their paramedics and firefighters with “active This new equipment and training is not only a win- shooter safety equipment,” including protective tactical win for both our agencies, it’s a win for the citizens we vests and ballistic helmets, as well as specialty medical serve. “go-bags” to use during an incident of mass violence or Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Page 17 BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY APPLIANCES/TVs FURNITURE MISC. CONTRACTING

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Must be able to safely operate the buses that are used um $110 upon completion 863-635-9597 move. $799 Long Distance Movers. and Your Family May Be Entitled to to transport workers to and from work sites. Should be able to Spend 6-10 hrs on a given wk- TDD: 711 Get Free quote on your Long dis- Significant Cash Award. Call 1-855- provide proof of accident-free driving record and background. day night, wkday or wkend 1&2Bedrooms Available tance move 1-800-214-4604 serving as a juror in a mock tri- 1 Bedrooms $521-$663 635-9214 for Information. No Workers must be able to lift 70lbs. to shoulder height repetitively al to evaluate settlement of an 2 Bedrooms $587-$729 Risk. No Money Out of Pocket. throughout the workday and able to lift and carry 70lbs. in field. actual court case. If you have a DENTAL INSURANCE. 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CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS! Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Page 19 Help Wanted LASSIFIEDS Wayne County Blueberry Growers Association –179 Temporary workers needed in Wayne and Covington Coun- C ties in MS and Washington and St. Stephens Counties in AL from 5/1/2019 – 7/5/2019. Names and locations for each member of the association can be obtained from the SWA in the states for MS, AL, FL, and LA. Applicants must be 18 years or older. Employer may conduct a criminal background check on new applicants Workers may manually plant, cultivate, harvest, process and pot, blueberry plants. All tools, supplies, and equipment will be provided at no cost to the workers. Wash hands before entering work areas (fields and processing house) as detailed by government regulations. Obey all farm rules posted on farm. Must have worked a season picking and packing similar crops such as fresh blueberries, raspberries, or coffee beans or have 3 months experience in picking and packing, planting, har- vesting similar crops such as fresh blueberries, raspberries, or coffee beans. Mechanical Picker: Loading fruit lugs on Mechanical Picker for harvesting fruit. May ride Mechanical Picker monitoring the lugs as fruit is filling them. Lift and stack filled lugs into stacks on Mechanical Picker until picked up by ATV with trailer. Transfer filled lugs on me- chanical picker onto ATV with Trailer for transporting fruit out of field. Load fresh fruit lugs onto Mechanical Picker for harvesting. Field pickers: Workers will be required to walk in the field and fill 1-gallon buckets with blueberries. Place fruit carefully in bucket and place under bush for pickup. Workers that pick up fruit in buckets or lugs out of field weighing approximately 10-40 lbs. May drive ATV with trailer to field, load filled fruit lugs/buckets onto trailer, and place a top cover over lugs and buckets preparing for transporting fruit to processing facility. Transport to processing facility unload and place on pallets. Processing Facility: Load and Unload filled fruit lugs and palletize for wind tunnel. Place into wind tunnel for cooling before entering processing line. Removal from wind tunnel to processing line. Lift SUBSCRIBE and pore fruit onto cleaner and blower. Stand at grading table or conveyer belt for (inspection) of quality fruit. When processing is complete, workers will then load the trailer with flats of berries. Packing machine monitoring for filling TODAY!! fruit into clamshell and clamshell refilling. Packing clamshells of fruit into boxes (flats) for sale. Lift and stack onto 863.533.4183 pallets. Use pallet jack to load fruit onto truck/trailer for transportation to drop station. General Specifications and Physical Requirements of the Job: Workers will be trained on applying fertilizers and pesticides. Hours and days of work may vary due to weather conditions: blueberries are perishable and must be picked and packed within a limited time of harvest. Workers should expect periods of little/no work because of weather/crop/ other conditions beyond the employer’s control. A Standard workweek is 5 hours a day Sunday through Saturday. No cell phone usage during working hours. No smoking, chew tobacco, in fields or packing house. Due to possible Date of Need changes, worker is required to purchase travel insurance if available. We will reimburse the worker for transportation cost (including travel insurance) and subsistence to the employers work site from the place of recruitment upon completion of 50 percent of the contract period. Transportation payment will be no less (and is not required to be more) than the most economical and reasonable common carrier transportation charges for the distances involved. If the employee is unable or unfit to perform the duties listed after the 3 day pretrial, the employee will receive warnings, hours may be reduced to the minimum allowed in the certified petition or terminated. There is a possibility of earning a higher piece rate. Raises and end of the season bonuses may be offered to any seasonal worker, at the employer’s discretions, based on individual factors including but not limited to, performance, experience, number of hours worked in the season, number of seasons worked with the company, adherence to work rules and ability to follow supervisor instructions. A Public Notice copy of the work contract or a copy of the ETA 790 in lieu of a work contract, and any modifications, will be provided to the worker on or before the day, the work commences. Workers performing General Farm Labor will be paid the highest of AL- $11.13 and MS $11.33 per hr., or applicable piece rates depending on crop activity, three – fourths guar- NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE antee, 35 hrs. Per week. Workers may be offered more than the standard hours of work in a single workday. Workers Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described may volunteer to work additional hours when work is available. Hours of work may increase/decrease depending on below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated. crop yield and or weather and can occur at any time throughout the season. Housing and transportation provided at no cost to workers who cannot reasonably return to their permanent residence at the end of each workday. We partic- Extra Space Storage 1492 ipate in the E-Verify program and workers must have valid identification for I-9 preparation when they begin work. @ 1012 US Highway 92 Auburndale, FL 33823 (863)-221-0007 Complete job description can be found at your local SWA/Job Center. Apply for this job at the State Workforce/Job (May 8, 2019 11:00AM) Center office in your area, please call for the nearest office in your area MS 601-584-1202, AL 256-259-1835, LA I0508 Charlene Holmes Household Goods 318-676-7705, FL 863-385-3672, using job order # MS294432. D0338 Carl Tickle Household Goods I0549 Jessica Eason Household Goods Blaxton, LLC -2 Temporary workers needed in Slocomb, Dothan, and Hartford AL. From ap- F0706 Jessica Anderson Household Goods proximately 05/21/2019 – 07/19/2019. Applicants must be 18 years or older. Applicants must have 1 month in farm experience. Company may conduct criminal background checks. Assist with Good Agricultural Policies. Employer is a drug-free workplace. Drug testing is conducted post-hire at the employer’s expense and is not part of the interview process. Results are required before starting work. Extra Space Storage 1596 All tools, supplies, and equipment will be provided at no cost to the workers. Either workers will ride @ 2930 US Hwy 98 N Lakeland FL 33805 (863) 224-2677 on, or walk behind the mechanical blueberry harvester to ensure the correct operation of the mechan- (May 8, 2019 @ 12:00 PM) ical harvester occurs. Full lugs will be removed from the harvester and replaced with empty lugs with- 1217 Shasta Shaw Household goods out disrupting the operation of the harvester. Stack full lugs onto pallets and load pallets into trailers in 5407 Melissa Ragonese Household goods the field. Blueberries should only be mechanically harvested during the cooler and less humid evening 5010 Zaza Tsulaia Furniture, boxes hours when there is no dew present. Blueberries may also be harvested by walking through assigned 5210 George Phillips Household goods rows while bending and reaching to pick ripe blueberries by hand without bruising or damaging the 1007 Katie Smith Household goods fruit or bush. Workers must use care to pick bushes clean of all berries of the correct color and size, as 1112 Shamekia Burkes Household goods instructed by their supervisor. Green berries must not be picked. When picking blueberries by hand, workers will either carefully place picked berries into clamshells or into buckets. Record fruit infor- 5040 Jazzmine Oneal Household goods mation as instructed. When harvest activities are complete, workers may prune the blueberry bushes 2218 Lloyd Washington Jr Household goods using hand clippers. Watermelons-When harvesting watermelons, workers will walk in a designated 5107 Jon Caldwell Household goods area selecting mature watermelons to be cut from the vines using a knife. Workers will then bend and lift cut watermelons, carry and load them onto or transport vehicles. Install, maintain and oper- ate irrigation equipment. Clear and maintain fields and irrigation ditches. Using approved vehicles, Extra Space Storage 1494 licensed drivers may transport workers to town, housing and worksites. Work requires performing @ 6445 S Florida Ave Lakeland FL 33813 prolonged walking, bending, reaching, twisting, pushing, pulling and continuously lifting, carrying (863) 647-4172 and loading of 8 lbs. and up to 50 lbs. overhead, physical stamina and hand dexterity and work outside (May 8, 2019 @ 12:30 PM) in extremely hot (100°+) and/or wet weather for extensive periods of time. Workers are expected to possess the skills to work in the production of crops listed in this job order. Workers must adhere to P1518 Ralph Mervine Household goods all safety rules as instructed by the supervisor. Workers must take care to handle tools, equipment and A0105 Faith Celebration School Desk, filing cabinets, books product in a manner to avoid injury or damage. The employer will comply with all federal, state and N1258 Nosleidys Soler Computers, office supplies local safety requirements. Operations specifications can change during the season due to crop or mar- O1308 Brandon Lovelace Furniture & boxes of household goods ket condition. Proper work attire is required. No cell phone on the job. Due to possible Date of Need C0414 Keven Cooper Household items changes, worker is required to purchase travel insurance if available. We will reimburse the worker for transportation cost (including travel insurance) and subsistence to the employers’ work site from the place of recruitment upon completion of 50 percent of the contract period. Transportation payment Extra Space Storage 1493 will be no less (and is not required to be more) than the most economical and reasonable common @ 2190 Harden Blvd, Lakeland FL 33803 (863)-680-8092 carrier transportation charges for the distances involved. A copy of the work contract or a copy of the (May 8, 2019 @ 1:00 PM) ETA 790 in lieu of a work contract, and any modifications, will be provided to the worker on the day the work commences. If the employee is unable or unfit to perform the duties listed after the 14 day 0431 Tina Majus Household goods pretrial, the employee will receive warnings, hours may be reduced to the minimum allowed in the C0469 Brittany Harrell Household goods certified petition or terminated. Workers will be paid $ 11.13 per hour, or applicable piece rates de- F0972 Charlene Brown Household goods pending on crop activity. ¾ guaranteed, 35 hours per week. Housing, equipment, and transportation will be provided at no cost to workers who cannot reasonably return to their permanent residence at The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must the end of each workday. Workers must have valid identification for I-9 preparation when they report be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete to begin work. Complete job description can be found at your local SWA/Job Center. Apply for this the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind and purchase job at the State Workforce/Job Center Office in your area or call your nearest office. MS 601-584- up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. 4/17,27, 2019 1202, FL 863-385-3672, GA 912-285-6105, AL 256-259-1835 using job order #2616807. Page 20 Wednesday, April 17, 2019

to Non-GolfCocktail Participants Party Open 10TH Anniversary

“Swing for the Cure” Golf Tournament & Cocktail Party

Kick-Off Cocktail Party Scramble Golf Tournament Friday, April 26, 2019 | 5:30pm Saturday, April 27, 2019 | 9:00am Nora Mayo Hall Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club 500 Third Street, NW, Winter Haven 2888 Southern Dunes Blvd., Haines City

All proceeds from the 2019 events will go to support the Winter Haven Hospital Cassidy Cancer Center patients.

Featuring Fuzzy Zoeller Winner of ‘79 Masters, ‘84 U.S. Open, 2002 Senior PGA Championship

The Cassidy Family

For More Information, call: Josh Lewis (863) 287-2106 | WHH Foundation (863) 292-4138 [email protected]

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