News Update for 5/14/24
HCSO has made an arrest in the attempted murder shooting of an Avon Park man, that occurred on Friday night. According to reports, the victim was shot in the doorway of his home located on West Ruth Street in Avon Park and sustained two apparent gunshot wounds to his leg and chest. Multiple witnesses quickly identified Alexander Eric Patterson, a 22-year-old male, from Arcadia as the shooter. Patterson is being charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder as well as a host of other charges. He is being held on a $310,000 bond.
Lakeview Water Sports, Inc. turned out to be the sole proposer for the City of Sebring’s request for proposals for waterfront concessions at Veterans Beach. The city sought bids for waterfront concessions at Veterans Beach due to some resident concerns that public property was being utilized. The recent request for proposals closed on Friday, and The City Council will likely vote on approval of the proposal on May 21st. The successful respondent will recieve a written license agreement from the city with an inital term of 12 months as well as an option to renew.
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office announced on yesterday that they have arrested 63-year-old Timothy Edward Stamant from Lake Wales after he allegedly sent threatening packages to Clear Lake Baptist and Sheila Face Ministries in Cocoa. Sheriff Wayne Ivey says Stamant is charged with a felony for Send Written Threat to Kill or Injure – Intimidation and a misdemeanor for Disturbing Peace at a School Religious or Lawful Assembly. Stamant has no bond.
Due to concerns of school bus safety law violations in Polk County, Sheriff Grady Judd is working with Polk County Schools on the district’s new bus camera program. By next school year, all of the county’s more than 500 school buses will have stop arm cameras. Polk County Schools have vetted Verra Mobility, an Arizona-based global automated enforcement company. Violators can expect up to a $225 fine.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says a Florida man was caught on camera threatening to shoot a driver at a red light while his one-year-old child was in the car. David Lorenzo was allegedly tailgating another driver and the drivers got into an argument at the next red light. Words were exchanged and the suspect then brandished a handgun, pointing it at the victim and other occupants in the car. When Deputies arrived at the suspect’s home they found that Lorenzo’s girlfriend had video-recorded the altercation at the red light Lorenzo was charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, culpable negligence, and improper exhibit of a firearm.
There was a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new AdventHealth Winter Haven ER, Thursday, May 9th. The facility is equipped with 24 exam rooms including several specialized rooms. It is located at 6945 Cypress Gardens Boulevard. Tim Clark, president and CEO of the AdventHealth Polk Market, has emphasized the organization’s commitment to meeting the growing healthcare needs of the Winter Haven community. The project is expected to create over 30 new jobs and bolster the local economy. The AdventHealth Winter Haven ER, a department of AdventHealth Heart of Florida, is set to begin receiving patients by the end of this month.
Florida Citrus growers finishing up their harvest-got some disappointing news following an updated production forecast in April, from the U.S Department of Agriculture. Executive Director of the Highlands County Citrus Growers Association, Ray Royce, stated the Valencia crop was lighter this year than expected and had concerns about the hot dry weather making it hard to hang subsequent crops. Royce does have hope that new therapies that help combat citrus greening will help to strength crops and improve yeilds in the future.