Extended pediatric care facility temporarily closes Central Florida locations
A pediatric care facility for special needs children with locations across Central Florida has temporarily suspended operations following the hospitalization of two immediate family members, a spokesperson said in a statement on Monday.
1 dead, 1 critical after being struck while crossing Colonial Drive in Orange County, FHP says
A Haines City man suffered critical injuries and another man is dead after they attempted to cross a section of Colonial Drive in Orange County on Friday night and were struck by a sedan, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Former Haines City High School coach accused of sexually battering student in classroom closet
HAINES CITY, Fla. โ A former Haines City High School coach and teacher is accused of sexually battering a female student while they were both inside his classroomโs closet on at least 10 different occasions, according to the Haines City Police Department. Authorities said they obtained videos that showed Ricks and the girl together at Halloween Horror Nights in October 2020 and kissing inside of Ricksโ classroom. Records show Ricks was hired at Haines City High School on Aug. 31, 2020 and resigned on Saturday. โThis case of grooming serves as a reminder for parents to remain vigilant about who their children are around,โ Haines City Police Chief Jim Elensky said in a news release. โWe appreciate the hard work of our detectives and the cooperation we received from Haines City High School, Polk County Schools and the Osceola County Sheriffโs Office throughout the investigation.
โEverybody loved him:โ Father begs for answers in shooting that killed man, injured 3 others
The Haines City Police Department said about 30 rounds were fired during the shooting, which occurred before 9 p.m. in the area of North 15th Street. Oscar Lee Hendrix Jr., 36, of Haines City, was killed and two other men and a woman were injured, records show. On Friday, Haines City Police Chief Jim Elensky spoke alongside the victimโs father, Oscar Hendrix Sr., in an effort to encourage any potential witnesses to step forward. Elensky called the shooting a tragedy that should hit home for every Haines City resident. Anyone with any information about the fatal shooting is asked to call the Haines City Police Department at 863-421-3636 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477 (TIPS).
Florida firefighter accused of stealing Pokรฉmon cards from Walmart
HAINES CITY, Fla. โ A Central Florida firefighterโs mission to โcatch 'em allโ ended with him stealing $165 worth of Pokรฉmon cards from Walmart, according to the Haines City Police Department. Records show he took the barcode stickers from lower-priced Pokรฉmon cards and placed them on more valuable packs then took them to the self-checkout. A loss prevention officer confronted Strickland before he could leave the store and then called police, according to a news release. Authorities said Strickland planned to โflipโ the cards to make extra money because heโs been struggling financially. โHelp is a phone call away,โ Haines City Police Chief Jim Elensky said.
Florida man stole bulldozer, mowed down Joe Biden signs, police say
HAINES CITY, Fla. โ A 26-year-old man has been accused of stealing a bulldozer from a Florida construction site, driving it into a neighborhood and knocking down campaign signs for Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, according to authorities and homeowners. The man took the bulldozer in Haines City on Saturday and repeatedly destroyed Biden signs in full view of people who live in the neighborhood, witnesses said. James Blight was charged with grand theft auto and trespassing, according to the Haines City Police Department. Former Vice Mayor Adam Burgess lives in the central Florida neighborhood, which he said is predominantly Black. โThis man came onto my property, took the two Joe Biden signs I had in my yard and then came back with a bulldozer to run down my fence,โ Burgess told Bay News 9.
Man injured in shooting outside Rosies Bar in Haines City
HAINES CITY, Fla. At least one man is injured following a shooting outside a bar in Haines City, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Deputies said the shooting took place around 3 a.m. Tuesday in the parking lot outside Rosies Bar located at 33224 Highway 27. According to the sheriffs office, the man was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for serious injuries from a gunshot wound. Details about what led up to the shooting or any possible suspects have not been released and the investigation is ongoing, according to the sheriffs office. Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226 TIPS (8477).
Winter Haven man caught trying to film under girls dress at Walmart, police say
HAINES CITY, Fla. A mother caught a Winter Haven man in the act as he tried to film under her 9-year-old daughters dress at a Polk County Walmart, according to the Haines City Police Department. When the childs mother turned away, Jonathan knelt down to the floor and tried to use his phone to film underneath the girls dress, records show. The girls mother then realized what was happening and reported the incident, according to authorities. While this is the first time hes being criminally charged for recording young girls, I can say unequivocally, given my experience, that this is not his only victim, Haines City Police Chief Jim Elensky said. Equally as important, I commend the girls mother for speaking up for her daughter.
Man arrested in connection with Polk County double homicide, officials say
POLK COUNTY, Fla. โ Polk County authorities are investigating a double homicide, officials said. According to Polk County officials, the married couple had been deceased for some time. โTodd Jackson shot the two victims in the head as they slept at the crime scene,โ officials said. Detectives arrested Jackson near his last known place of residence in the Wabash area of Lakeland on Saturday evening, officials said. He was expected to be booked into the Polk County Jail later Saturday night and had his first court appearance Sunday.
Legoland Water Park sets opening day
HAINES CITY, FL โ Legoland Florida announced Friday when its water park will open. The new Legoland Water Park will open on May 26th. The water park will feature Lego versions of water park favorites, including a rafts built from Lego blocks and a gentle wave pool with Lego walls. The water park is an area inside of the park, requiring admission to Legoland plus an extra fee. Legoland has launched a Premium Pass that includes unlimited admission to the main park, the water park, along with free parking and other discounts.