Reputation Of Saddle Creek Park Shifting [homosexuals propositioning citizens]

The Ledger ^ | June 21, 2012 | Elvia Malagon

[kevcol]

LAKELAND, FL | A few years ago, Randy Lippy was fishing at Saddle Creek Park when a man approached.

Lippy, 65, of Lakeland, said the man asked if he wanted to pay for sex.

The proposition made him so uncomfortable, Lippy said, he stopped fishing at the park until just recently.

Once favored as a fishing spot with walking trails and a public gun range, the park is almost as well known now for the number of arrests that take place there.

So far this year, 20 people have been arrested by the Polk County Sheriff's Office for lewd behavior.

The undercover detective who works in the area and has made several of the arrests said it has been patrolled for years, but some of the same people keep returning.
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TRYING TO CHANGE

Harpe said park managers have worked with the Polk County Sheriff's Office to stop some of the sexual activity there.

The Sheriff's Office detective said stopping all lewd activity is more complex than just heavier law enforcement presence. Despite the sex stings, people continue coming.

"No matter how often we go out there, there's still a lure," he said. "People want to go out there and do the dirty deed."

[kevcol]

TOM DENISON points out a fish to Aidan Miller, 11, at Saddle Creek Park east of Lakeland.
Denison said he has been fishing at the park since he moved to Lakeland from Tennessee
in 1985 and thinks the county should promote the park as a great family fishing spot.

ummm...might wanna rethink that, Tom:

May 21, 2012: Two dozen arrested for lewd acts in Polk County parks

May 2, 2012 Seven Men Arrested For Lewd Acts At Saddle Creek Park

April 12, 2012: Five men arrested for alleged lewd conduct at Polk County park

Feb 3, 2012: Eight Men Arrested During Undercover Vice Operation At Saddle Creek Park

....and so on

I wonder if the homosexuals proposition the folks visiting the gun range too?

[kevcol]

Oh yeah, there was also a naked homosexual attacked by a Gator in the park a few years ago.

[brivette]

I doubt it..

[Thane_Banquo]

spite the sex stings, people continue coming.

/rimshot

[moovova]

“They’re not wired right.”

The money quote

[Road Warrior ‘04]

The “gay” bar is still there! Saddlecreek was a great place to go fishing...a long time ago!

[lightman]

‘Gator wanted to find out if sausage tasted like chicken.

[SeminoleCounty]

Lord knows how bad it would be at that park if you did not have Grady Judd as your sheriff.

Judd has busted more pervs, local and nationwide, than any law enforcer in this country

[formosa]

Maybe they should call it Saddle Up Daddy Park so families will be forwarned not to take their children there. This is a very dangerous situation and deserves a warning.

[Dr.Zoidberg]

When dealing with homosexual agression, a little pepper spray, a boot to the ass and a hasty egress are all acceptable.

It’s called the Modified 3-S routine. Squirt, Stomp and Sally forth.

[marygam]

My Daughter went to the Catholic HS down the road from this park. This was about 6 years ago, when I was doing my “Volunteer Hours” at the school selling
the books for the coming year, and the principal of the school was at this park, soliciting 2 undercover cops for sex.
Needless to say, I was shall we say, pissed off! Here I was giving of my time while he was, well trying to have a good time! He was arrested and within 2 days “relocated” back to So. Florida.
I have never recovered from this to this day. Have so little respect for the Leaders of the Church, although I have found a new one to attend.
This Park has been a mess for years, and it is a shame, because it is quite a nice natural park. Great hiking and bird watching along with fishing. Oh and other activities!

[Donnafrflorida]

Wow. 5 miles from my house. who knew.

[Trod Upon]

Sounds like they should rename it “Straddle Crack Park.” Ick.

[Donnafrflorida]

My daughter went to the same school 2002 to 2006. graduated from SF high.

[Kharis13]

Oh yeah, there was also a naked homosexual attacked by a Gator in the park a few years ago.

Obviously the gator had a sweet tooth.

[TXnMA]

Some fishermen I’ve seen are a tougher breed: instead of retreating, they would just “chum the waters” -— and go back to fishing...

[miele man]

Yes, one would definitely not want to “sashay forth”.

[xrmusn]

a naked homosexual attacked by a Gator in the park a few years ago.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
How heartless and cruel for you to ‘share’ this.
After all we are dealing with God’s creatures here.

Oh, I forgot to ask, is the Gator OK?

[Jack Hammer]

“So far this year, 20 people have been arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for lewd behavior.”

Hey, come on! What’s wrong with these cops, suppressing people’s civil rights like that...

Apparently they haven’t been told that American homosexuals have an unlimited right to do anything anywhere and proposition anyone and everyone...

[marygam]

Mine graduated in 2007. Do you still live in area? I ran into one of the teachers the other day @ the Republican Headquarters in Lakeland. Was kind of funny since my daughter never liked her, but I had new respect for her getting involved in.