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Friday, September 30, 2016

Museum opening celebrated here

There were two Lewises this past week who described in similar tones the opening of the African American Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. “This place is more than a building, it is a dream come true,” civil rights veteran John Lewis, a Democratic congressman from Georgia, said at the dedication … read more.

LATEST LOCAL NEWS

Mosaic: Water is safe
Wed Sep 28 2016 08:30AM

While it seems there may be no danger to residents because of a sinkhole that formed under one of Mosaic’s gypstacks, the news gotten the attention of Democratic candidate Hillary … read more.

County, DEP talk about sinkhole
Wed Sep 28 2016 08:30AM

Polk officials Friday did a Tallahassee-turnaround trip to talk with the state environmental agency about why nearby homeowners and why the public weren’t immediately clued in on a Mosaic tainted-water … read more.

Resident: They should have told us something
Wed Sep 28 2016 08:30AM

David Fontana said he stopped cooking with well water from his tap after a sinkhole opened under a Mosaic Fertilizer operation and sent millions of gallons of contaminated water into … read more.

Trailer is Nicaragua bound
Tue Sep 27 2016 03:59PM

Fort Meade churches received enough clothes, food, toys, and other donated items to fill a trailer and ship it to needy villagers in Nicaragua. For the past week, a 45-foot … read more.

More Local News

Vanguard celebrating 50 years of innovative teaching
Wed Sep 28 2016 08:30AM

For 50 years, Vanguard School has been facilitating both local and international students with learning disabilities, allowing them to receive a quality education that they otherwise would not have. The boarding school would not be where it is today had … read more.

Charter teachers get raise
Wed Sep 28 2016 08:30AM

Most teachers prefer an apple on their desk during the start of the school year. However, many teachers within the Lake Wales Charter Schools will receive a sweeter treat with a raise in their salaries as soon as this Friday. … read more.

Summerlin Academy to spread its wings
Wed Sep 28 2016 08:30AM

Their footsteps echoed in the multipurpose room, but they didn’t have the quick-step, perfect harmony that their big brothers’ do. These were fledgling cadets for what isn’t really a school yet, and they were still learning the cadence and how … read more.

Riley, BPD win diversity awards
Wed Sep 28 2016 08:30AM

A former NFL superstar who returned home and started a second career helping youth and the Bartow Police Department were the winners of the annual C.C. Corbett Diversity Awards at Wednesday’s Diversity Luncheon. Richard Dreyer, the co-chairman of the Community … read more.

Legion donation to pay for Police Academy
Tue Sep 27 2016 04:01PM

Over the years, those who have participated in a Citizens Police Academy conducted by the Bartow Police Department know it to be a special several weeks in which they learn first-hand what it means to be a law enforcement officer. … read more.

Community rallies to supply BPD with AEDs
Wed Sep 28 2016 08:30AM

This past Friday, Sept. 23, Bartow Police Chief Joe Hall publicly recognized and thanked the donors who, through a cooperative effort, made it possible to purchase enough Automatic External Defibrillators — 28 in all — to outfit each of the vehicles … read more.

7 firsts, 6 seconds and 10 thirds
Wed Sep 28 2016 08:30AM

The Polk County newspapers for the Sun Coast Media earned seven first-place awards, six second-place awards and 10 third-place awards at the Florida Press Association’s annual convention at the Sarasota Ritz-Carlton on Sept. 16. “I am very proud of the … read more.

New conductor lead Bartow Adult Community Band this year
Tue Sep 27 2016 04:07PM

The Bartow Adult Concert Band was created and commenced its first concert season in October, 1990 by John R. DeYoung. For the next 24 years, John served Bartow Adult Concert Band as its director leading all rehearsals and every concert. … read more.

Applications for Thanksgiving, Christmas baskets being taken
Wed Sep 28 2016 08:30AM

The holidays are coming quickly and the Church Service Center in Bartow is taking applications for Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. Each year the Church Service Center gives food baskets for Thanksgiving with complete meals and baskets for Christmas that includes … read more.

World Heart Day run draws decent crowd
Wed Sep 28 2016 08:30AM

Although World Heart Day is not until Sept. 29, the second consecutive World Heart Day 5K walk run took place at approximately 7:45 a.m., this past Saturday, Sept. 24 at the park located in Summerlin Park, where Jackson Avenue and Stuart Street intersect. … read more.

Candidates for District 41 House seat on opposite sides in many places
Wed Sep 28 2016 08:30AM

Both Robert Doyel and Sam Killebrew come from distinguished backgrounds members and guests learned at the Sept. 21 Tiger Bay of Polk County gathering. Both are running for the District 41 Florida House seat that is open due to John … read more.

Trees being removed, drive carefully
Tue Sep 27 2016 03:02PM

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in partnership with the City of Lakeland, will begin removing trees and making repairs to Florida Avenue (SR 37) between Bartow Road and Memorial Boulevard. The work is necessary to improve safety for pedestrians, … read more.

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State, National and World News

Pies raise $6,000 for Links2Success
Thu Sep 29 2016 08:30AM

For the third year in a row, Links2Success participated in the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s Giving Challenge. The online fundraising campaign lasted exactly 24 hours. The Giving Challenge is an initiative that strives to spotlight non-profit organizations and demonstrate … read more.

Red tide kills scores of fish in Sarasota County
Sat Sep 24 2016 09:26PM

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Wildlife officials say a red tide in the Gulf of Mexico is to blame for dead fish littering beaches and causing a foul stench at a popular beach along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reports … read more.

Florida primaries eyed: Representation of few, or the many?
Sat Sep 24 2016 09:24PM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — It took just 14,496 votes to win his closed Democratic primary for one of Florida’s 27 congressional seats. Now Darren Soto is virtually assured of going to Capitol Hill, unlikely to face a strong Republican challenge … read more.

Shooting sows terror at Washington mall; shooter on loose
Sat Sep 24 2016 09:24PM

BURLINGTON, Wash. (AP) — The first 911 call came in just before 7 p.m. on a busy Friday night at the Cascade Mall: A man with a rifle was shooting at people in the Macy’s Department Store. By the time … read more.

Louisiana accordionist Buckwheat Zydeco has died
Sat Sep 24 2016 09:22PM

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Musician Stanley “Buckwheat” Dural Jr., who rose from a cotton-picking family in southwest Louisiana to introduce zydeco music to the world through his namesake band Buckwheat Zydeco, has died. He was 68. His longtime manager Ted … read more.

Gov. Scott to put $25M toward developing Zika vaccine
Fri Sep 23 2016 01:19AM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who has been highly critical of the federal response to the outbreak of the Zika virus, used his emergency powers Thursday to direct $25 million in state money toward helping to develop … read more.

2 opioid overdoses every hour in South Florida epidemic
Fri Sep 23 2016 01:19AM

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) — Someone overdoses on heroin or other opioid drugs in South Florida every two hours, part of a growing drug abuse epidemic affecting wide swaths of the country, law enforcement officials said Thursday. Miami U.S. Attorney … read more.

Man charged with riding manatees in Florida Keys
Fri Sep 23 2016 01:19AM

(AP) — Authorities say a Florida Keys man has been arrested for riding and harassing manatees. A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission report say 47-year-old James Massengale Jr. was arrested Friday after witnesses saw him touching two adult manatees … read more.

Court: Felon hunter didn’t break gun laws
Fri Sep 23 2016 01:19AM

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida Supreme Court ruling Thursday is good news for felons who like to hunt, bad news for deer. The court ruled that an appeals court was correct in overturning Christopher Douglas Weeks’ conviction for being … read more.

Python hatchlings found for the 1st time in Florida Keys
Fri Sep 23 2016 01:19AM

KEY LARGO, Fla. (AP) — Burmese pythons that have decimated mammal populations in the Everglades are reproducing now in the Florida Keys, state wildlife officials said Thursday. Two hatchlings roughly 18 inches long were found in Key Largo in early … read more.

University employee dies in apparent home invasion
Fri Sep 23 2016 01:19AM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A University of North Florida employee is dead following an apparent home invasion. Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Michael Paul tells the Florida Times-Union that police believe Jonathan Wesley Brenton answered the door at his home around … read more.

Beyond the Yahoo hack: Other major data breaches
Thu Sep 22 2016 11:05PM

The Yahoo hack exposed personal details from at least 500 million user accounts, potentially the largest breach of an email provider in history. Despite the size of the break-in, attackers don’t appear to have accessed obviously sensitive information such as … read more.

Sacramento mayor tackles man who hit him with pie
Fri Sep 23 2016 01:19AM

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A man took a pie from a grocery bag, grabbed Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson from behind and smacked him in the face with the creamy dessert at a charity event, witnesses say, leading the former NBA … read more.

Public school cafeteria worker quits in ‘lunch shaming’
Wed Sep 21 2016 11:52PM

CANONSBURG, Pa. (AP) — A school cafeteria worker has quit over what she considers a “lunch shaming” policy in a Pennsylvania school district. Stacy Koltiska resigned last week from Wylandville Elementary School in the Canon-McMillan School District after she had … read more.

Gov. Scott orders DEP investigation of St. Pete sewer crisis
Wed Sep 21 2016 11:50PM

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Gov. Rick Scott has ordered the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to investigate a sewage spill in St. Petersburg. Heavy rain during Hurricane Hermine overloaded the city’s sewer systems, sending millions of gallons of sewage … read more.

Blue Bell recalls some ice cream distributed in the South
Wed Sep 21 2016 11:37PM

BRENHAM, Texas (AP) — Blue Bell Creameries recalled select flavors of ice cream distributed across the South after finding chocolate chip cookie dough from a third-party supplier for use as an ingredient was potentially contaminated with listeria, the Brenham, Texas-based … read more.

Your TV may use more energy than you think
Thu Sep 22 2016 01:19AM

SAN FRANCISCO — An environmental group accused three major television manufacturers Wednesday of misleading consumers and regulators about how much energy their high-definition screens devour by designing them to draw less power during government testing than in ordinary use. The … read more.

Study: Florida could have 33 million residents by 2070
Thu Sep 22 2016 01:19AM

ORLANDO — Florida could grow to more than 33 million residents by 2070, and the percentage of the state that is developed could jump from less than 20 percent to 33 percent, according to a new study presented Wednesday. Florida’s … read more.

Florida agrees to release witness in federal mob trials
Thu Sep 22 2016 01:19AM

TALLAHASSEE — A top informant who federal prosecutors credit with leading to multiple arrests and indictments of organized crime figures won a bid Wednesday to be released early from prison. Gov. Rick Scott and the three members of the Florida … read more.

US says it may have struck Syrian troops while targeting IS
Sat Sep 17 2016 09:24PM

BEIRUT (AP) — The U.S. military said it may have unintentionally struck Syrian troops while carrying out a raid against the Islamic State group on Saturday, threatening an already fragile U.S. and Russian-brokered cease-fire that has largely held despite dozens … read more.

Pipe bomb explodes before Marines charity run; no injuries
Sat Sep 17 2016 09:22PM

SEASIDE PARK, N.J. (AP) — A pipe bomb exploded in a New Jersey shore town Saturday shortly before thousands of runners were to participate in a charity 5K race to benefit Marines and sailors, authorities said. No injuries were reported … read more.

Police: Anti-cop note found at scene of deadly rampage
Sat Sep 17 2016 09:22PM

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A “rambling” note expressing hatred for police was found after a man opened fire on a Philadelphia police officer then went on a shooting rampage, injuring a second officer, killing a woman and wounding three other people … read more.

’Virginia Woolf’ playwright Edward Albee dies at age 88
Sat Sep 17 2016 09:20PM

NEW YORK (AP) — Three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Edward Albee, who challenged theatrical convention in masterworks such as “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “A Delicate Balance,” died Friday, his personal assistant said. He was 88. He died at his … read more.

Belgium sees first case of minor being granted euthanasia
Sat Sep 17 2016 09:18PM

PARIS (AP) — A terminally ill minor has been helped to die in Belgium for the first time since the country did away with age restrictions on euthanasia two years ago, according to the senator who wrote the law. Liberal … read more.

Aerial pesticide spray adds to fears in Zika-stricken Miami
Sat Sep 17 2016 01:19AM

MIAMI BEACH (AP) — In the only U.S. city confirmed to have mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus, some residents say they’d rather be bitten than be exposed to droplets of chemicals sprayed from planes to kill the bugs. No assurances … read more.

Florida pastor among 22 arrested in undercover sex sting
Sat Sep 17 2016 01:19AM

PENSACOLA (AP) — Authorities say a 52-year-old Florida Panhandle pastor is among 22 people arrested during an undercover sting that targeted adults who used the internet to solicit sex with children. The Pensacola News Journal reports David Donald Hoppenjan was … read more.

Florida unemployment at 4.7 percent for 4th straight month
Sat Sep 17 2016 01:19AM

TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Florida’s unemployment remains at 4.7 percent for the fourth straight month despite adding 22,000 jobs in August. The state Department of Economic Opportunity reported Friday that there were 454,000 unemployed Floridians out of a workforce of 9.7 … read more.

Outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease fading at FSU
Sat Sep 17 2016 01:19AM

TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Officials are hoping a campus-wide hand-washing campaign will help stop an outbreak of hand, foot and mouth disease at Florida State University. Health officials tell the Tallahassee Democrat they’re seeing “significant decreases” in the outbreak. They say … read more.

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