By Carl Fish

Frostproof, Florida – According to reports from the Polk County School Board and the Department of Children’s & Family an investigation has taken place regarding paddling of students at Frostproof Middle Senior High School.

According to reports a teacher (Industrial Edu.), John Clemons, is accused of paddling multiple students at FMSHS. The incident occurred on December 20, 2012. According to the Polk County School Board report it was found through it’s investigation that Mr. Clemons used a paddle to give “Birthday Licks” to multiple students in a group setting. The number of “Licks” depended on the age of the students.

According to the Polk School report a female and male student were both paddled during Clemons second period class on December 20,2012. The parent of the female student contacted the administration, Frostproof Middle Senior High School, regarding the incident involving their child. According to the report by PCSB and the parents of the female student, pictures of  the student showed bruises on the student. According to the DCF report the bruises were personally witnessed by the DCF investigator. According to the report the female student did not want to take the “Licks” and a male student also with a birthday went before her and took his “Licks”. After that student sat down the teacher, Clemons, told the female student to stop being a “Woos”. The student stated in the report that she continued to refuse and the teacher advised her that she had a choice (student said ultimatum was give). The student could either take her “Licks” now or she could be randomly attacked throughout the year until she got her 17 “Licks”.

The student succumbed to the pressure of getting the “Licks”. According to the report the same day shortly after the incident a fellow male student struck the female student on the buttocks with a cooking pot, very hard. The incident was heard by Mr. Clemons and another adult at the school.

According to a statement allegedly written by Mr. Clemons he claimed he did not us a full swing, half swing and that he just tapped the student while sitting down in his chair. It was done in fun the statement would go on to say. Mr. Clemons did acknowledge that the student was struck by a fellow student to his knowledge (he heard the sound of the hit and the scream from the student). According to the statement Mr. Clemons saw the student immediately after the hit by the other student “(students first name) was holding her butt and her face was red and she started to sweat. I asked what happened and she said (student with pot name) just hit me in the hallway with a pot. I asked if she was okay and she said yes, but that it hurt real bad.” The statement would go on to say that another school official witnessed this exchange and was aware of what occurred by the other student.

The paddling incident in Mr. Clemons classroom was witnessed by several students who confirmed the paddling. Several of them felt it was all in fun and everyone was joking around about it. Fellow administrators confirmed that at the time it did not appear that any student was adversely affected by the incident.

The incident which occurred just prior to Christmas break was investigated by Manny Rodriguez of the Polk County School Board, A Polk County Sheriff’s Officer and a Department of Children and Families Investigator. The final outcome from the school board was that according to school board policy, the amount of force used makes no difference.

“The bottom line for the school board’s position is that type behavior is unacceptable. We have told our employees to keep their hands to themselves,” said Rodriguez.

According to reports the teacher was suspended without pay for 5 days, starting on on April 8, 2013 until April 12, 2013. Mr. Clemons was allowed to return to his employment at the school on April 15, 2013. It is  unknown if Mr. Clemons did resume his position.

According the report from Department of Children & Family Services and the Polk County School Board it was not possible to determine if the bruises on the female victim came from the incident with Mr. Clemons or the student being  hit with the pot by a fellow student.

Editors Note: What may be so discouraging about this story is not the specific incident. Rather the fact that the practice by the teacher was known by the staff. This is not the first time this occurred and it occurred numerous times in the past. While it may all be in fun in this case it gave a fellow student the impression it was appropriate to strike another student which is inappropriate at anytime. Particularly in an area which should be known to be off limits. Bullying and intimidation are an issue in our schools and to have a teacher using this type of judgement is concerning. While the actions can be considered harmless to some in is not appropriate every.

By Carl Fish

Frostproof, Florida – The small town in Florida has had it’s share of big names in the football world. Alvin Harper & Travis Henry are two of the biggest. Another former Bulldog will have his chance coming up in this weeks NFL draft to make a mark. Nickell Robey a standout for the Frostproof Bulldogs and a standout for University of Southern California Trojans (USC) is projected to go near the 6th round of the NFL Football Draft.

This past season for the Trojans Robey started all 13 games. He registered 52 tackles, four pass breakups, and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown. He is regarding as an excellent cover corner.

Robey did not have an outstanding combine in terms of  his 40 time (4.53 ) which may have brought down his value in the eyes of some NFL scouts. The USC corner is also fighting something he cannot change and that would be his size. Robey is 5-7¾ and  169-pounds. These are not numbers that NFL scouts like to see in a corner. With the premise that bigger, faster, stronger is the mantra of the NFL now it doesn’t play into Robey’s favor. He did help himself on March 27th, USC Pro Day, where he turned in a 40 yard time of  4.44. This is .09 of a second faster than the combine and he did very well in drills.

According to draft analyst Josh Norris of the NFL Network, Robey, is projected to be a 6th round pick in the upcoming draft and be taken by the New York Giants. That assessment just like most of what happens on draft day is unpredictable. It is predictable that Robey will be drafted and local Frostproof residents will be seeing him on Sundays!

Frostproof, Florida -Sometime after 11:00 pm, on Saturday, April 27, 2013, 25-year-old Travis Lenard Fogle, 922 S. Woodrow Avenue, Avon Park, asked his girlfriend Petra S. Moore, 3022 Republica DeCuba Avenue, Tampa, to take him to the First Baptist Hilltop Church located at 200 Maxcy Road, Frostproof. Fogle said he needed to give something to 25-year-old Jamanus Beck, 721 South Delaney Avenue, Avon Park.

The couple arrived at the church around 11:30 and Fogle called Beck to confirm the meeting. A vehicle arrived at the church and Fogle got out of the car on the passenger side. He didn’t close the door all the way and Moore leaned over to close the door. When she did, she heard a “pop.”

Moore saw the car pull away. She got out of the vehicle and found Fogle on the ground. He had been shot.

Through the investigation detectives learned Beck’s whereabouts and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was taken into custody at the Frostproof substation without incident. Why the two had agreed to meet remains under investigation.

Beck is charged with Murder.

Frostproof, Florida – The former Frostproof Bulldog and USC Trojan didn’t get a draft call over the weekend, but he did sign a free agent contract with the NFL Buffalo Bills. People felt it Robey’s size was a determining factor as to why he went undrafted. At The 5-7 1/2,  165lbs Robey was considered undersized. He also ran a slower 40 time.

A fan favorite at USC Robey has had some memorable college games. Picking off a Andrew Luck pass a couple of years ago and shutting down previous first round draft picks. As one fan put it “No one expects him to amount to much in the NFL they see him as a special teams guy at most, and he has to feed of that criticism. Robey proved he could be a star in college and if he has the same mentality he did in college then he can surprise a lot of people. If the Frostproof, Florida native can make it at USC we should give him the benefit of the doubt in the NFL, we have no reason to doubt him.”

Frostproof, Florida – There will be a prayer service at the Frostproof City Hall Auditorium on Thursday, May 2,2013 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM in honor of the National Day of Prayer.

Lake Wales, Florida – On May 2, 2013 staff at Lake Wales High School reported a burglary to a storage shed, which is located near the softball fields on the school property. The investigation revealed between May 1, 2013 at 10:00pm and May 2, 2013 at 6:00am entry was made to the storage shed by cutting the lock and opening the doors. After unlawfully gaining access to the shed the offenders stole the following property:

One red Kawasaki Mule value $7,644.49
One green and yellow John Deere Gator value $5,000
Twelve gasoline cans value $120
Sixty gallons of gasoline $210
Two Stihl weed eaters $700
One Stihl back pack blower $350
Miscellaneous hand tools $500
One Master Lock $10
Total Value of Stolen Property $14,534.49

On May 7, 2013 Officer Jonathan Fletcher, who is the School Resource Officer at Lake Wales High School, received an anonymous tip regarding possible suspects who committed this burglary. With the new information Lake Wales Officers and Detectives began following up on leads and developed two suspects. Caleb D Sharpe, an 18 year old Frostproof resident, and Robert I Brittle, an 18 year old Lake Wales resident, were contacted and interviewed. Both Sharpe and Brittle admitted to burglarizing the shed, stealing the equipment, and selling it to different people. Based on information provided by Sharpe and Brittle detectives attempted to locate and recover the stolen property. At this time one weed eater and one gas can has been recovered. Sharpe and Brittle were placed under arrest and booked into the Polk County Jail for the following charges: 2 counts of Burglary to an Unoccupied Structure, 2 counts of Grand Theft, 2 counts of Dealing in Stolen Property, 2 counts of Trespassing on School Property, and Possession of Burglary Tools.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Detective Bill Raebig at (863) 678-4223 extension 264 or Heartland Crime Stoppers at (800) 226-8477.

Photo Provided By Reader L. Q.

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Frostproof, Florida – Thursday of last week residents around Lantana Rd. woke to find PCSO deputies had closed off the road and crime scene units were investigating an incident. The sheriff’s office has now confirmed that a shooting took place at 10 Lantana Rd. in Frostproof on May 16th at 12:48 am.

Initially it was reported as a home invasion by the PCSO. According to reports a roommate, at the home, reported hearing an argument between the victim and at least two unknown males at the front of the house.  Then he heard “Where is it” and “give it up” followed by gunshots.  He looked out of his bedroom window and saw three unknown black males fleeing the scene in opposite directions. The victim was shot in the leg and was unable to provide a better description of the suspects, but says he does not know them.  The victim in this case has not been identified and will be re-interviewed when he is less sedated and more recovered from his wound.

The PCSO has provided the following description of two of the suspects.

1.    Black male, approximately 5’9,” thin, possibly a goatee, wearing a dark colored hoodie.  He was observed with what appeared to be a handgun in his left hand.  This was the suspect observed running south on Lantana.

2.    Black male, lighter skin, short and heavy with possibly a bald head.  This suspect was running north on Lantana with the other suspect who is not described.

If anyone has information about this incident they are urged to contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477).

Frostproof, Florida – At approximately 1:30 p.m. today (05/26/2013) the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a call that a pedestrian had been struck on U.S. Highway 27 just south of Bell road near Frostproof. Upon arrival deputies discovered a man had been struck by a semi-truck and trailer that was southbound on Highway 27. The pedestrian has been identified as 51-year-old Dennis Joseph O’brien of  Scenic Highway, Apartment #2, Lake Wales. According to witnesses, Mr. O’brien had parked his Chevy pickup on the right west shoulder of the (south-bound) roadway, got out of his vehicle and walked into the roadway for unknown reasons and was struck by the semi-truck and trailer. The semi-truck driven by 40-year-old Alexy Rodriguez of Miami attempted to take evasive action, but was unable to avoid striking Mr. O’brien. O’brien was taken to Florida Heartland Hospital in Sebring by Emergency Medical Services; he was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Separate from the fatal traffic crash investigation, the Sheriff’s Office received a call from friends of Mr. O’brien reporting that he had posted suicidal-type remarks on his Facebook page. A deputy responded to check on O’brien’s well-being at his residence. The deputy found the door to the residence open. When there was no response at the door, he checked the interior for the victim and found a handwritten note and the open face book site on a desktop computer monitor with his posting –both indicating that he wanted to harm himself.

Deputies are conducting an ongoing joint fatal crash and death investigation. At this point in the investigation, it appears that Mr. O’brien intentionally walked into an oncoming semi-tractor trailer travelling on US 27. An autopsy will be completed by the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Frostproof, Florida – Colossal Coaster World! Not many things are more exciting than a day at the theme park. We will have fun decorations, games, songs, crafts, snacks, and stories centered around a theme park setting. There will be something for all age groups from 3 years old through adults – plus child care for babies-2 when adults join the fun! We even have a class for Special Friends! This is for children age 5-13 with physical or mental challenges. Trained teachers will be on hand to help each child have a safe and fun time! Children will earn Free tickets all week to be the first to enjoy the inflatable slide, bounce house, snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn and more we will have on Friday and Sunday! So the more you come-the more tickets you earn! So come on! Join the fun!

This is a free program-opened to everyone in the community and is not a school sponsored activity. The event will run mornings from 8:30am – 12pm Monday-Friday June 10-14. The event will be held at Frostproof First Baptist Church 96 West B Street,Frostproof.

For more information or to sign up call 863-635-3603.

Frostproof is having a 4th of July Parade this year!

Businesses it is FREE to join and would be perfect advertising! You do not have to make a huge float, any car/truck with business info would work. They are asking that it be 4th of July themed. It will be Thrusday, July 4th at 5pm. From 3rd St to B St down Hwy 17. You must sign up by July 1st, but the sooner the better. Contact Ramona at 863-934-3979.

The DailyRidge.Com has learned that a missing 16 year old girl from Frostproof has been found safe. Details have not been released at this time. We will update this story if more information is released. Thank you to the community for sharing this post and helping to find her! The original story below.

Lake Wales, Florida – The Polk County Sheriffs Office & family of Amanda Bihorel is searching for her. Amanda is 16 years old and is currently listed as missing. She was last seen on Monday afternoon around 4pm.

At this time she is not believed to be in danger. Anyone who is housing her could be considered harboring a runaway by state law and subject to prosecution.

If you know where she is please contact Missing Person’s Unit at the PCSO at tel:(863)298-6200.

Polk County, Florida – The  school crossing guards at the following locations within Polk County will be  removed, effective this upcoming school year:

Sleepy Hill Road & Terra Largo – Lakeland

Main Street & Fern Road – Lakeland

Dorman Road & Nestlewood Court – Lakeland

Maple Avenue & Ansley Avenue - Bartow

Shumate Drive & Clower Street – Bartow

34th Street & Avenue R NW – Winter Haven

McLeod Road & Snooks Wardlow – Frostproof

Pine Street & Caspian Road - Poinciana

Lake Miriam Creek & Willow Springs – Poinciana

Hemlock Road & Flounder Road – Poinciana

Halibut Road & Flouder Road – Poinciana

Halibut Road & Pine Street – Poinciana

The decision to remove these school crossing guards was made by the School Crossing Guard  Committee following traffic surveys of the locations and confirmation that students can cross safely without assistance.  This committee is comprised of representatives  from the School Board, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Board of  County Commissioners Traffic Engineering Division, the Polk County Sheriff’s  Office, and a number of the municipalities within Polk County.

As a  matter of procedure, the School Crossing Guard Committee communicates with the  principal of the affected school to inform them of the action taken.  In addition, the principal is reminded to notify members of the committee  if the situation changes at which time another survey would be  conducted.

The school crossing guards at these locations were removed June 5, 2013.

While  this review process occurs throughout the year, deputies patrol school zones  daily as a reminder to motorists that caution is critical.  Please remember that  fines are doubled in school zones and that all law enforcement members take the  safety of children very seriously. As a responsible motorist, so  should you.

Please  Help Us Keep School Zones Safe.

Lake Wales, Florida -

At approximately 6:00 am, on Monday, July 15, 2013, a blue 2014 Freightliner semi with trailer, driven by 51-year-old Ken Kessler, Railroad Street, Highland Michigan, and an apprentice driver, had just concluded one of their mandatory resting periods inside the semi behind the CITGO gas station at US Hwy 27 (SR 25) and Penny Loop, Lake Wales.

The semi is the property of Werner Enterprises and was loaded with computer equipment.

Kessler began to pull out from the north entrance of the CITGO gas station, cross over the northbound lanes of US Hwy 27, enter the paved median break, and then proceed southbound on US Hwy 27 to proceed to Miami.

At the same time, 33-year-old John Glynn Bourn of Fort Meade, was travelling to work in the outside, northbound lane on US Hwy 27 in a maroon 2001 GMC Sierra pickup.

Bourn crashed into the semi-trailer in the direct center of the trailer as it crossed over both northbound lanes of US Hwy 27. Because the semi was fully loaded and in motion at the time of impact, it carried the pickup to the west, eventually having it come to rest between the inside travel lane and the paved median break.

Shortly after impact, 61-year-old Emily S. Mills, Lake Buffum Road, Lake Wales, driving a white 2010 Hyundai Elantra, came across the crash scene and was able to stop in the outside northbound lane without impacting either vehicle.

Approximately three minutes later, 75-year-old Elizabeth A. Levy, driving a 2001 Mercury Sable, who was also in the outside lane, impacted the rear of the Elantra sending it into the side/ rear of the trailer.

Bourn was killed upon impact with the trailer.

John Bourn, was a father of 3, a 5 year old, 7 year old, and a 10 year old. He was a little league coach in Frostproof. He reportedly worked for Duke Energy.

No other injuries were reported.

The investigation is ongoing.

Eleno Suarez Wanted For Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officer

Frostproof, Florida – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is offering a $5000 Reward for Information regarding the whereabouts of 21-year-old Eleno Suarez.

“We are asking for your help in locating a very dangerous subject,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “If you will shoot at armed deputies, you will shoot at anyone. We need him in custody before anyone else falls victim to this nasty thug. If you see him or know him call law enforcement immediately, he is very dangerous.”

There is a $5000 reward for information leading to the capture of 21-year-old Eleno Suarez.

In July, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Robbery detectives asked for the public to assist in locating two suspects involved in a Frostproof, Armed Home Invasion, Robbery and Carjacking. One of those suspects is 20-year-old Eleno Suarez, DOB 12/16/1992, last known address of 70 West Frostproof Baptist Church Road, Frostproof.

At approximately 2:00 am, on Saturday, August 03, 2013, Suarez was observed in the area of the Town Star convenience store at the intersection of US Highway 27 and US Highway 98 in Frostproof. Suarez, along with five other individuals, fled the area in a Ford Focus. Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies recognizing Suarez as a wanted subject, attempted a traffic stop in the area of Highway 630 and Hopson Road, but Suarez did not stop and deputies began to pursue the Focus.

During the pursuit, Suarez, who was driving the Focus, fired multiple shots at PCSO deputies. No deputies were injured. Members from the Lake Wales Police Department, the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the area to assist.

Suarez ultimately lost control of the Focus in a rural area of State Road 64 and US 98 in Hardee County. Deputies were able to apprehend Suarez’s five passengers, however, Suarez fled on foot. There were no injuries to any of the passengers in the Focus.

Suarez now faces charges of Attempted Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer. He is considered Armed and Dangerous. Anyone with information about Suarez’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 863.298.6200.

Suarez is described as a Hispanic male, 5’4” tall, 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

The five passengers with Suarez in the Focus who were arrested are listed below:

19-year-old Malcolm Lewis, DOB 05/01/1994, 25 Attucks Circle, Frostproof. Lewis confessed to deputies he was involved in the July Armed Home Invasion with Suarez and 21-year-old Jesus Jaramillo. Lewis is charged with Robbery with a Firearm, Armed Carjacking, Armed Burglary, and Resisting without Violence. Lewis also had an outstanding Miami warrant for Possession with Intent to Sell. There is also an additional charge of Resisting without Violence and Trespassing from Hardee County Sheriff’s Office.

21-year-old Kurt Gaddy, DOB 06/11/1992, 60 Herndon Road, Frostproof. Gaddy was charged with Violation of Probation and Resisting Arrest

22-year-old Warren Kennedy, DOB 09/28/1990, 6032 Lake Ruth Drive, Dundee. Kennedy is charged with Resisting without Violence.

22-year-old Martin Jaimes, DOB 10/09/1990, 106 Shady Oak Avenue, Lake Wales. Jamies is charged with Resisting without Violence

20-year-old Henry Stegman, DOB 12/10/1992, 920 Thompson Ave, Frostproof. Stegman is charged with Resisting without Violence.

Lewis, Gaddy, Kennedy, Jaimes, and Stegman were booked into the Hardee County Jail.

UPDATE: The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that the 5 men arrested were NOT victims in the below story. “There were NO victims in that Focus” said Donna Wood, PCSO Public Information Officer. Gaddy was charged with violation of probation.  Editor Note: PLEASE REMEMBER ALL SUSPECTS ARE INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

At approximately 2:00 am, on Saturday, August 03, 2013, Suarez was observed in the area of the Town Star convenience store at the intersection of US Highway 27 and US Highway 98 in Frostproof. Suarez, along with five other individuals, fled the area in a Ford Focus. Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies recognizing Suarez as a wanted subject, attempted a traffic stop in the area of Highway 630 and Hopson Road, but Suarez did not stop and deputies began to pursue the Focus.

During the pursuit, Suarez, who was driving the Focus, fired multiple shots at PCSO deputies. No deputies were injured. Members from the Lake Wales Police Department, the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office and the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the area to assist.

Suarez ultimately lost control of the Focus in a rural area of State Road 64 and US 98 in Hardee County. Deputies were able to apprehend Suarez’s five passengers, however, Suarez fled on foot. There were no injuries to any of the passengers in the Focus.

Complete Article Here

These men are suspected of the following crimes.

19-year-old Malcolm Lewis, DOB 05/01/1994, 25 Attucks Circle, Frostproof.  Lewis confessed to deputies he was involved in the July Armed Home Invasion with Suarez and 21-year-old Jesus Jaramillo.  Lewis is charged with Robbery with a Firearm, Armed Carjacking, Armed Burglary, and Resisting without Violence.  Lewis also had an outstanding Miami warrant for Possession with Intent to Sell.  There is also an additional charge of Resisting without Violence and Trespassing from Hardee County Sheriff’s Office.

21-year-old Kurt Gaddy, DOB 06/11/1992, 60 Herndon Road, Frostproof. Gaddy was charged with Violation of Probation and Resisting Arrest

22-year-old Warren Kennedy, DOB 09/28/1990, 6032 Lake Ruth Drive, Dundee. Kennedy is charged with Resisting without Violence.

22-year-old Martin Jaimes, DOB 10/09/1990, 106 Shady Oak Avenue, Lake Wales. Jamies is charged with Resisting without Violence

20-year-old Henry Stegman, DOB 12/10/1992, 920 Thompson Ave, Frostproof. Stegman is charged with Resisting without Violence.

Update: Police have cleared the area at this time. We are working on update from PCSO.

Developing story – PCSO currently has an area in Frostproof blocked off. There is a strong presence of Officers as well as the PCSO chopper flying overhead. We will have more details coming as the story unfolds.

South Lake Wales Kangaroo Store

Lake Wales, Florida – Atleast twice this past weekend PCSO thought they were onto Eleno Suarez, an attempted murder suspect of a law enforcement officer. The first incident occurred early Friday evening in West Frostproof. Sheriff’s cars could be seen blocking of lanes of West Baptist Church Rd., k-9 units and helicopter were searching the area. “We continue to search for Suarez” said Donna Wood , public information officer for PCSO.

Another incident happened Saturday afternoon in Lake Wales where someone fitting Suarez description was seen at the Kangaroo gas station on Hwy 27 in South Lake Wales. Deputies from PCSO and officers from Lake Wales Police Department swarmed the parking lot having the occupants of the vehicle get out and be searched. Ultimately it wasn’t Eleno Suarez.

The search continues for Suarez and anyone with information is asked to contact law enforcement immediately. He is considered armed and extremely dangerous.

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies, assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force, located and arrested 21-year-old Eleno Suarez this evening (August 29, 2013) around 5:30 p.m. in Frostproof. Suarez has felony Polk County warrants for his arrest (see below).

Deputies and U.S Marshals agents received information today that Suarez might be at 10 Pearl Hopson Road in Frostproof. Deputies and agents responded to the home and were met by at least three residents who refused to cooperate and denied that Suarez was in the home.

Suarez was located hiding under a bed in the home. Suarez refused to comply with deputies’ commands to surrender, and was apprehended (bit) by a PCSO canine. Suarez was taken into custody, and trasported to Lake Wales Medical Center to be treated for his dog bite wounds.

Suarez is now enroute to Bartow to be booked into the Polk County Jail on his numerous warrant charges (see below).

Three other people who were in the home were arrested for Obstruction of Justice. I do not have their names at this time.