Florida entrepreneur among two killed in fatal car crash

BARTOW, Florida – The owner of Front Page Brewing was killed in a fatal car crash in Bartow over the weekend.

Johnnie Levin, 54, died in a car accident on US Highway 98 in Bartow on Saturday, June 1.

Her boyfriend, Michael Price, was driving and also died in the accident. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a Porsche in several pieces.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said a witness saw the black Porsche leave the road several times and roll over.

“Shocked, heartbreaking, sick, just a lot of raw emotions. I just couldn’t believe it. I was devastated that this happened to Johnnie,” said Linda Holcomb, executive director of Bartow Main Street.

Bartow city officials said they were stunned by the sudden loss. Levin was a successful businesswoman who loved her community.

“This is certainly a gut punch for the community and it will take us some time to get used to a blow like this,” said Mayor Trish Pfeiffer.

Levin has worked with numerous organizations including the Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Bartow Inc. and Engage Serves.

Linda Holcomb, executive director of Bartow Main Street, said Levin was a very important part of the downtown community. She helped with events, volunteered for everything and knew a lot of people.

It was her heart’s desire to be a good leader for her community.

“Johnnie will be sorely missed downtown. Her energy. Her enthusiasm,” Holcomb said.

Bartow City Manager Mike Herr described Levin as a brilliant businesswoman.

The Greater Bartow Chamber of Commerce

“How could you come to Bartow and not know Johnnie, right?” he said.

Herr said she is very dedicated as a business owner.

“She poured beer. She mixed an Old Fashioned. She emptied the trash. She washed dishes, whatever was needed, even though she was the owner. She treated her team, everyone was equal,” said Herr.

Levin opened the brewery about 4 years ago.

“Something we needed in this city and she brought it to life,” said Mayor Pfeiffer.

“I respected her as a businesswoman. She was very good at what she did and loved the things she came up with.”

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the accident. Officials said speed may have played a factor.

According to a homeowner, a real estate wholesaler demanded $10,000 to clarify the title claim after the planned sale fell through.

According to the homeowner, the real estate company demanded $10,000 to clear the title of the proposed sale