ReportWire

Tag: Alexis Jones

  • Local groups push to bring senior center to Lakeland

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Through the doors of College Heights United Methodist Church, the Rath Senior Connextions Center runs its daily operations, working to meet the needs of seniors across the city.

    What You Need To Know

    • Despite seniors making up over 20% of Lakeland’s population, the city does not have a dedicated location for them

    • Rath Senior Connextions and their partners have been working for years to establish a senior center, highlighting the ongoing need for accessible support for older residents

    • The city of Lakeland has pledged $100,000 toward the creation of a senior hub, but only if community groups can match it


    Inside, calls from community members roll in throughout the day. Longtime volunteer Charlie Burdette says those calls range from people needing a ride to those looking for housing.

    “We get such a variety of things, and then we get really hard things,” Burdette said. “It is particularly difficult for seniors who have moved here and don’t know anything about the resources available — and even people who have lived here all their lives aren’t aware of them.”

    Executive director Dr. Rose Marie Lamm says she created the Rath Senior Connextions Center for that very reason. Before starting the nonprofit 21 years ago, Lamm says seniors in Lakeland didn’t have a place to go for resources or services. Fast-forward to today, she says in many ways, the need is still the same.

    “We don’t have a central center where people can go physically and hear about actual services that are available,” she said.

    Despite U.S. Census data showing that residents age 65 and older make up more than 20% of Lakeland’s population, Lamm says the city is one of the few areas in the Tampa Bay region without a central location for senior services.

    After years of pushing for a senior center, the Lakeland Senior Hub — a collaborative initiative that includes several groups, including the Rath — got the chance to present a plan to city commissioners in 2024. However, Lamm says the idea received mixed reactions from leaders.

    “We already have services for seniors. We have services, but nothing is coordinated. And how are people supposed to find things when they’re not coordinated?” she said. “And remember, we also have to keep in mind that seniors aren’t all online. It’s hard for younger people to even begin to understand that. So, we had to present that, and I’m not sure it was completely understood.”

    Ultimately, city officials agreed to a $100,000 contribution on the condition that the Senior Hub can match the funds. Now, the Rath and its collaborative partners are working to raise the money to bring the center to life.

    But Lamm says they’ll need the community’s help.

    “Any amount would be wonderful,” she said.

    In the meantime, volunteers like Burdette will remain by the phone, continuing to connect with those who rely on their support.

    To learn more about how you can support the Lakeland Senior Hub, visit their website.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Haines City community raises concerns after weekend flooding

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. — Concerns are growing in one Polk County neighborhood just days after several inches of water threatened homes during a storm on Sunday. 

    What You Need To Know

    • People living on Georgene Road say floodwaters from Sunday’s storm took days to recede and caused property damage

    • Resident Amanda May believes runoff from new construction is worsening flooding near her home

    • Polk County plans to discuss the issue, but May says action should have been taken sooner


    Inside her home, Amanda May tried to find a little joy in the midst of a difficult week.

    “Surprising my daughter with a little graduation surprise when she gets off the bus,” she said.

    To celebrate, May decorated her dining room with streamers and photos of her 13-year-old daughter, Bailee. She said it was a small way to lift their spirits.

    “You know, I’m trying my best,” she said. “The one thing I don’t want to do is lose my house. That’s my biggest fear.”

    May says her late husband purchased the home on Georgene Road before he died of cancer in 2015. Since moving in, she says she hadn’t experienced any issues — until her home flooded during a storm last year. It happened again on Sunday, and this time, she says the water damaged her walls.

    “It was water all in my floors right here, and then I noticed my drywall started bubbling up,” she said inside her bedroom. 

    May believes the flooding was caused by runoff from a new housing development behind her property. She says she has reached out to the county several times in recent months, but has been frustrated by the responses.

    “I can get flood insurance, raise my yard, put in drainage, or sell my house,” she said.

    The Polk County native says she’s already done most of what officials suggested — and more — but nothing has worked.

    According to Polk County’s upcoming stormwater agenda, leaders plan to discuss flooding on Georgene Road. But May wishes they had acted sooner. 

    “I think they should’ve done this when I called them the first time last year. Why wait now, when I have damages to my house? And who’s going to help me pay for it?” she said. “This is their fault. This is someone’s responsibility — putting damage to my house — and now I have to pay for it.”

    Spectrum Bay News 9 reached out to Polk County regarding May’s concerns. We are still waiting for their response.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Winter Haven to launch nation’s first digital remote tower

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Winter Haven Regional Airport is looking to become the first in the nation to launch a digital remote air traffic tower.

    What You Need To Know

    • Winter Haven Regional Airport is aiming to become the first in the nation to launch a digital remote air traffic tower

    • The $1.2 million system, along with a dedicated radio frequency, is awaiting FAA approval

    • The digital tower will go through a testing phase by the end of the year and is expected to be fully operational in 2026

    The $1.2 million system is fully funded by the Department of Transportation.

    As the airport becomes busier, Director Troy Heidel has searched for new ways to increase safety for pilots.

    “A couple of things — initiatives we take out here — we hold regular safety meetings. We’ve developed what’s called enhanced operating procedures that, in partnership with our flight schools here, help make some of our traffic more predictable. Everybody’s doing the same thing and communicating the same way,” he said.

    The Tampa Bay native expects air traffic to improve even further once the airport launches its digital remote tower, which will be housed at Bartow Airport. Currently, Winter Haven is an uncontrolled site and shares a frequency with four other airports. Over the past few years, Heidel and his team have urged the FAA to dedicate a frequency to the city.

    The digital tower will go through a testing phase by the end of the year and is expected to be fully operational in 2026. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Alexis Jones)

    “So we don’t have so much congestion on our frequency, because out of those five airports, here at Winter Haven we account for 40% of that traffic in the sky, and we’re doing 80,000 operations annually,” he said.

    Both the new frequency and the remote tower still need to be cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration. Once approved, Heidel believes the airport will be better equipped to help prevent incidents like the tragic mid-air collision it experienced in 2023.

    “When you’ve got a controlled tower out here, and you’ve got somebody that’s stationed solely on the ground or in a remote facility monitoring your airspace and making sure that collision avoidance and safe separation are maintained, it’s always a helpful benefit to have,” he said.

    The tower, which will be made up of an array of cameras, will go through a testing phase by the end of the year. Heidel hopes the system will be fully operational in 2026.


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    Alexis Jones

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  • Florida Southern fights to preserve historic Frank Lloyd Wright structure

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Over the hills of Florida Southern’s campus, the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel stands as the cornerstone of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida Southern is working to preserve the historic Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, a 1941 Frank Lloyd Wright structure that has suffered water damage over time

    • The college filed a lawsuit against Tremco CPG, claiming the roofing materials and installation from a 2011 project led to significant leaks

    • Restoration efforts are ongoing, with most of the chapel repaired using modern materials

    “This is an example of probably the best block work in his career,” resident Architect Jeffery Baker said.

    Baker says the chapel, built in 1941, is a testament to Wright’s ability to design extraordinary structures that can withstand Florida’s weather. But over time, he says, parts of the building have become difficult to maintain.

    “One of reasons is because he designed architecture… was very avant garde. It was something that was completely different and he was constantly testing the limits of materials,” Baker said. “As a result, the quality control wasn’t fantastic and so therefore some of these buildings are difficult to keep water out of at least at the ground level, especially through those textile blocks that you’re seeing behind me.”

    Crews repair the ceiling of the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel following damage from Hurricanes Milton and Debby. (Florida Southern College)

    After Hurricanes Milton and Debby last year, water from surrounding areas flooded toward the chapel, damaging the floors. Heavy rain also caused parts of the ceiling to chip away. Terry Dennis, vice president of finance and administration, says the school spent well over six figures in repairs. While crews worked inside, staff had to find other locations to host scheduled events.

    “If there was a very large event that was scheduled for here, we probably moved it out because the balcony is where we had the most challenge to cosmetically go in and repair the things that might’ve been plastered, beginning to drip, etc.,” Dennis said.

    Since then, Baker says they’ve been able to restore most of the chapel using modern materials, but there’s still more work to be done.

    “What’s left to be down here would be the skylight. A little bit of steel repair needs to happen up there too. Not structural steel, but more decorative steel around the skylight up above,” he said.

    Architect Frank Lloyd Wright at work on the design of the iconic Annie Pfeiffer Chapel. (Florida Southern College)

    As long as the repairs are done properly, Baker is confident the building will withstand this upcoming hurricane season—and many more to come.

    In February, Florida Southern filed a lawsuit against Tremco Construction Products Group for its role in installing the chapel’s roof system back in 2011. The complaint claims Tremco supplied the roofing materials and oversaw the installation, which later led to water leaks.

    School officials declined to comment on the lawsuit. In a statement, Beaman & Brown PLLC, the firm representing Tremco CPG, said:

    “Tremco provided materials for the roof at Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, which were installed by a roofing contractor. Tremco issued a long-term warranty to the University, and Tremco intends to stand behind that warranty, as it always does. Consistent with that, when we became aware of this lawsuit, we reached out to the University’s counsel and expressed Tremco’s desire to work with the University to come up with a solution for any water intrusion issues at the Chapel, some or all of which may not relate to the roof. To develop that solution, Tremco plans to conduct a thorough inspection of the Chapel in the next month. We certainly understand the cultural significance of the Chapel and hope to partner with the University to repair and/or improve the Chapel’s exterior (consistent with the terms of our warranty).”

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    Alexis Jones

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  • 18-year-old charged with murdering 81-year-old Bartow man

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Monday identified a suspect accused of stabbing an 81-year-old man at an independent living facility.

    • ABOVE: Spectrum News speaks with neighbor about what happened
    • BELOW: Watch Sheriff Grady Judd’s Monday news conference

    Moses Ojeda, according to Sheriff Grady Judd, stabbed Patrick Benway a total of 113 times in the Sunday incident on Blue Bird Avenue.

    Benway was living in a group home managed by “ET Home Care, LLC” along with three other roommates. One of those roommates, Ojeda, had just moved in a day prior after being released from a local hospital, the sheriff’s office said.

    Ojeda told detectives that he did not have any problems with the victim and described him as a good person.

    During the investigation, Ojeda confirmed to investigators that he entered the victim’s bedroom where he was lying in bed and stabbed him multiple times.


    A news release stated: “The victim did not physically resist but did ask, according to Ojeda, ‘Why would you want to do this to me?’ before succumbing to his injuries. Ojeda stated he has no regrets and he wanted to kill him because he was “already dying.”

    The release said Ojeda told deputies that he cleaned the knife used and put it back in the kitchen, then removed his blood-stained clothing and placed it in a laundry basket.

    “All of the evidence gathered by detectives was consistent with the suspect’s statements regarding his stabbing the victim,” the release said.

    He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence.

    “This was a senseless and tragic act of violence. Our detectives, forensic investigators, and Bartow Police Department officers worked diligently to take Ojeda into custody and gather evidence to hold him accountable,” Judd said.

    LANDLORD REMEMBERS VICTIM

    Adrena Thornton fought back tears as she remembered Benway, her tenant.

    Thornton has provided care for people with mental and physical disabilities since 2015. She said she had never had any issues at her assisted living group homes until Sunday.

    “It’s like the devil showed up at the door and rocked everybody’s world and took an innocent man’s life,” she said.

    Benway started living at the facility in February, Thornton said.

    “He was very happy with where he was at,” she said. “My mama had just talked to him the day before and he was just, he was just real happy.”

    Thornton said Benway had several doctor’s appointments lined up and was on track to getting back on his feet.


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    Alexis Jones, Spectrum News Staff

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  • Bartow city leader weighs in on state fluoride ban

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    BARTOW, Fla. – Bartow leaders are weighing in as Gov. Ron DeSantis prepares to sign a bill that will ban the use of fluoride. 

    City commissioners voted 3–2 in March to continue adding the mineral to the city’s drinking water.

    That decision will soon be overturned, as Senate Bill 700 will require municipalities to end the long-standing practice.

    What You Need To Know

    • Despite the City of Bartow voting to continue fluoridating its drinking water, Senate Bill 700 will require all Florida municipalities to stop the practice starting July 1.

    • Vice Mayor Laura Simpson respects the state’s decision but is concerned about state interference in local governance.

    • Simpson is looking forward to shifting the conversation toward finding alternative solutions.


    Like other Bartow city commissioners, Vice Mayor Laura Simpson saw the legislation coming.

    “I knew during our conversations with constituents and having our public meetings that was already going to be on the table with the state,” she said.

    Despite that, Simpson said she voted to keep adding fluoride to the city’s drinking water after weeks of doing her own research.

    “My core was not telling me that there was enough justification for removal when we have so much history, so much success in visiting with dentists that have worked in communities with and without fluoride that have seen the difference — I just didn’t think we could discount what our dental community was telling us,” Simpson said.

    Dental experts say fluoridated water has proven to effectively prevent tooth decay over the years. But studies, like one the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released in January, show that high fluoride exposure can negatively impact children’s developing brains and lead to lower IQs. This is part of the reason why State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, with the support of Gov. DeSantis, called for municipalities to end the practice.

    While Simpson respects their decision to ban it, she says the move is unfortunate.

    “I don’t like the overreach when the state of Florida comes in and tells municipalities what their decisions are going to be,” she said. “There are also Bartow residents that are passionate about keeping fluoride. And they’re not the ones that are coming to the meetings and they’re not the ones who are sending the emails every week. We appreciate the communication from those who are very passionate about it, but there are residents in Bartow that want to keep fluoride here and so that was the voice I was trying to provide.”

    Simpson said that includes underserved communities that don’t have fluoride readily available. However, she plans to find ways to help provide better access for those areas. Ultimately, she hopes to shift the conversation from debating pros and cons to focusing on solutions and follow-through.

    Once signed, Senate Bill 700 will go into effect on July 1. The legislation covers more than just fluoride. It prohibits the addition of any chemical additive to public water systems that is not intended to meet or exceed drinking water standards.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Environmentalist warns against Mosaic’s radioactive waste road project

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    MULBERRY, Fla. — A pilot road project years in the making using slightly radioactive waste material is underway in Polk County.

    What You Need To Know

    • Mosaic’s pilot project will use phosphogypsum, a radioactive phosphate mining byproduct, to build a test road at its New Wales facility

    • Environmental advocates warn the project could spread hazardous materials, potentially exposing workers and nearby ecosystems to harmful radiation and toxic substances

    • Despite the EPA’s approval and Mosaic’s assurances of safety, critics argue the move prioritizes cost-cutting over public and environmental health


    The material, phosphogypsum, is a byproduct of phosphate mining that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says could cause cancer. Mining giant Mosaic requested to use phosphogypsum to build a test road at its Mulberry site on March 31, 2022. The EPA reviewed the plan, gave notice of pending approval on Oct. 9 of last year and took public comments for 45 days, then gave Mosaic the green light on Dec. 23.

    Glenn Compton, director of Manasota-88, one of the oldest environmental groups in the state, says mining companies have spent years looking for ways to get rid of phosphogypsum. The latest approach, he says, is what’s outlined in Mosaic’s plan — mixing the waste material into the road base and laying asphalt on top.

    “So instead of putting it into stacks, where we know where the phosphogypsum waste is, they want to spread it around the state of Florida with little to no over-site,” he said.

    Compton says this will lead to a widespread distribution of a hazardous waste, which could harm the environment and those who have to work with it.

    “Anyone who works with it will have an increase exposure to radon and radiation,” he said. “It has high levels of sulfur, it has metals that are very toxic to the environment and if these roads do deteriorate, we can expect that you are going to have pollution of groundwater and surface water in the area where these roads are constructed.”

    Mosaic said the 3,200-foot road will be built entirely within its New Wales facility, several miles from any public access. There will be multiple sections that use different construction materials and areas to serve as a control sample. The trial will last for 18 months, with each section evaluated for performance and effects on the environment.

    In a statement, a spokesperson for Mosaic said quote:

    “Trust the science. A host of regulators are involved throughout the process. Federal regulations require the EPA to perform a rigorous scientific risk analysis when evaluating a request to use phosphogypsum beneficially. The impacts to human health and the environment are the primary focus of that analysis.

    At the end of the day, we welcome robust testing. We want people to know this is a safe and worthwhile resource, not a waste, and we are decades behind others who long ago realized just that.

    We believe there is great value in the principles of a circular economy, whereby materials formerly viewed as wastes can be used or recycled beneficially. PG has value in the right circumstances, and we expect the results of the road trial to reflect that.”

    The EPA stands by its decision, saying “the risk posed by this project to the public and workers is extremely low.” However, Compton says the decision is a reflection of the agency’s inability to regulate.

    “And they are more in tune with what the company wants to do which is get rid of the waste in a cost effective, cheapest manner that they can and have it so that they will have less responsibility to manage it in the future,” he said.

    Like many environmentalists, Compton is urging policymakers to put a stop to Mosaic’s project. If they don’t, he says, the impacts of phosphogypsum could last for generations.

    Another environmental group, the Center for Biological Diversity, has already filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency for approving this plan. 

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  • Bartow set to launch red-light camera program this month

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    BARTOW, Fla. — Starting this month, 16 red-light cameras will be up and running across the city of Bartow.


    What You Need To Know

    • Bartow will activate 16 red-light cameras at eight major intersections on April 21 
    • City officials and local business owners, like Martha Stephens, support the program, citing frequent accidents and dangerous driving behavior

    • While some residents support the initiative, others are pushing back, calling the cameras excessive and inaccurate


    The cameras, operated by Verra Mobility, will be placed at the following eight intersections:

    • Wilson Ave. at Van Fleet Dr. / SR 60
    • W. Main St. / SR 60 at Crown Ave.
    • Holland Pkwy. / US 17 / US 98 at Van Fleet Ave. / US 98
    • Broadway Ave. / US 98 at E. Van Fleet Dr. / SR 60
    • Holland Pkwy. / US 17 at Main St.
    • S. Holland Pkwy. / US 17 at W. Wabash St.
    • Holland Pkwy. / US 17 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
    • S. Holland Pkwy. / US 17 at E. Georgia St.

    City leaders plan to launch the program Monday, April 21. Officials released video showing vehicles, including semi-trucks, speeding through red lights at several of the main intersections. Though the footage was recorded during a traffic study last year, Martha Stephens, who owns a food truck on State Road 60, says it’s a perfect example of what can happen on the road.

    “The traffic is really crazy at times. People run the red lights and even though we have the arrows, they still run them,” she said.

    Since opening Hy-Tech Cuisine last March, Stephens says she’s learned of several car accidents nearby. She says one fatal incident involved her new hire, who was struck by a driver while riding her bike on East Van Fleet Drive.

    “He said he didn’t see her. You know, it’s once again running the lights. Running the lights,” Stephens said.

    This is why she says she couldn’t be more relieved that the city of Bartow is launching its red-light camera program. While others feel the same, some people took to Facebook to share their disappointment, saying the cameras are excessive and often inaccurate. One resident even created a petition in hopes of stopping the program.

    However, Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker stands behind it.

    “They work,” he said. “We’re just asking people to obey the law. It’s a force multiplier for us as far as I can’t have my officer at every intersection all the time. Traffic is a big issue in Bartow and so we’re trying to make it safer for everyone.”

    Walker says roughly 2.2 million drivers make their way through the city every year, mainly because of the major highways. The cameras are intended to help reduce the number of angle crashes at each intersection.

    Officers will review the footage daily to check for violations. Walker says each violation will result in a fine of up to $158, with $75 going to the city.

    “Probably will be used for infrastructure improvement. You know, we have roads that need to be improved so that’s where I see it probably going,” he said.

    As for Stephens, she says she’s looking forward to the sense of peace the cameras will bring to the community. In the meantime, she has this message for drivers:

    “Slow down. Take your time. We all want to live. There’s no place you need to be that that’s urgent and if it is, leave a few minutes earlier,” she said.

    The red-light cameras will go live on April 21. Then, notices of violations will be sent out starting May 21.

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  • Haines City breaks ground on major commercial development

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. — Haines City leaders celebrated a groundbreaking for a major commercial development on Wednesday.

    What You Need To Know

    • Haines City broke ground on Crossroads Village Center, a 120-acre commercial project that will include a Target

    • The project has been in development since 2018, facing challenges with agencies like the Florida Department of Transportation and SWFWMD

    • Local business owner Ryan Mobley expects even more foot traffic and economic activity once the development opens


    Crossroads Village Center is expected to transform the city’s landscape, providing dining options, hotels, residential living and retailers such as Target.

    The commercial development is located on US-17 and spans 120 acres, with more than 50 acres dedicated to retail.

    Ryan Mobley’s mechanic shop, Haines City Car Care, sits directly in front of the future Crossroads Village. When he first started as an employee 21 years ago, he said US-17 didn’t see much foot traffic.

    “We used to have a snowbird season,” he said. “So, we would be busy during the winter and then slow during the summer, and now we’re just pretty much busy all the time. There’s not much of a slow season for us.”

    He said that’s mostly thanks to the area’s rapid growth. According to Fortune magazine, Haines City is one of the fastest-growing cities in America. Mobley expects the number of people looking to visit or live in the city will increase even more once the commercial development is open.

    “It’s good for the city. We don’t have hotels. We need more restaurants. We need those things, so growth is a good thing. Change is a good thing. So, we’re excited about it,” he said.

    Vice Mayor Morris West said Crossroads Village has been in the works since 2018. However, he said city leaders and the development company, Black Mountain Group, faced many bumps in the road along the way.

    “The first issue we came across was with DOT (Department of Transportation). DOT told us about 10 times ‘no,’ but we did not take that for an answer. So, we continued to go in front of DOT and that 11th time, we got that yes that we were after,” he said.

    West said they experienced a similar situation with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) but eventually got its approval. Now, officials are looking ahead to phase one of the development project. They expect the first half, covering 130,000 square feet, to be completed by Fall 2026. 

    As for Mobley, he says he’ll be in his shop, on the lookout for one thing only.

    “More cars. That’s what we do,” he said.

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  • Polk County mother works to prevent proposed cuts to healthcare programs

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    DAVENPORT, Fla. — Concerns are growing as federal healthcare programs, such as Medicaid, face potential cuts.

    The House passed a budget resolution that would cut $880 billion from these programs over the next decade.

    While President Donald Trump says the bill will not affect Medicaid benefits, experts argue that the budget plan cannot be executed without impacting the program.

    What You Need To Know

    • The House has passed a budget resolution that would cut $880 billion from federal healthcare programs, such as Medicaid, over the next decade

    • Davenport resident Barbara Harris says Medicaid helped her family access healthcare 

    • Both Harris and experts, like Scott Darius, encourage the public to advocate against these cuts by engaging with lawmakers 


    Davenport mother Barbara Harris is doing her part to prevent the proposed cuts to protect the wellbeing of her family and others. 

    “Every single solitary day. Every day in some way I take an action to save this country for them,” she said.

    Harris says that includes engaging elected officials who are looking to make changes that could impact Medicaid. As a single mother in the 70s, she says the program was the only way she could get healthcare for her daughter, Tabitha. Over the years, Tabitha has also relied on Medicaid assistance for her own three children.

    “It allowed my grandkids to grow up healthy,” she said. “The ability to get medicine that they would have never been able to afford otherwise. It gave them the ability to not worry about their health because every person should have healthcare.”

    According to data from the Florida Department of Health, roughly 202,230 people in Polk County rely on Medicaid — about 25.5% of the population.

    If the budget plan passed by the House goes through, Scott Darius, executive director of Florida Voices for Health, says even the smallest cut could be detrimental.

    “Even like a one percent decrease in the amount of funding that the state’s receiving from the federal government, you’re losing billions of dollars in that exchange,” he said.

    Darius said that also applies to making cuts in the name of protecting the program from fraud. However, a press release from the White House said the Trump administration will not cut Medicaid benefits and, “What kind of person doesn’t support eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending that ultimately costs taxpayers more?”

    “To the waste, fraud, and abuse argument, I say that’s a worthy cause if that’s what you’re actually doing, and there are ways to maybe surgically approach that. But to do arbitrary cuts, to not think critically about how the program works and who it’s serving, is not those things,” Darius said.

    While Darius tries to shed light on the potential impact, he encourages the public to reach out to lawmakers. As for Harris, she’s already sent out several letters.

    “You have to bother these people because if you don’t bother them, it won’t change,” she said. “You have to continue to affect them. You have to continue to try to change the story.”

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  • Polk County mothers fight to protect their Haitian loved ones from deportation

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Two Polk County mothers are fighting to keep their loved ones in the U.S. after learning they could be deported back to Haiti.

    What You Need To Know

    • The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, is revoking TPS for migrants from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, citing abuse and exploitation of the program

    • Dawn Chappelear and Stacey Angulo are advocating to keep their loved ones from being deported to Haiti

    • Both women plan to take legal action and have already contacted lawmakers to express their concerns


    Mother of four, Dawn Chappelear, still remembers the very moment she met her son Cabilah back in 2013.

    “There was just this special connection,” she said. “He also was just a light. His laugh was infectious. I don’t really know how to explain it other than it was just a God connection.”

    Chappelear says she and her husband, John, were living in Haiti for missionary work at the time. After raising Cabilah, 28, for three years as their own, he was later able to join them in Lakeland last May under Biden’s humanitarian parole program.

    “I ran to him as he came through the doors of the airport that day. It wound up being Mother’s Day on the 12th, and so it was wonderful that day,” she said.

    Chappelear’s friend, Stacey Angulo, shared a similar reaction when she and her husband, Alex, adopted their 15-year-old son, Marven, in 2013. The couple was then able to help bring Marven’s biological sister, Maill-Eva, 20, and his mother to the U.S.

    The two were granted humanitarian parole and received Temporary Protected Status (TSP).

    “It was a God thing for us to be able to bring them here and have them leave Haiti and come to a safe place, find safe harbor, be able to work, be able to learn how to support themselves, all the things they were unable to do in that country for the last several years,” Angulo said.

    However, both women say their loved ones’ well-being is now at risk after learning that their Temporary Protected Status has been canceled. According to a letter they received in the mail, they have until April 24 to return to Haiti.

    The Trump administration announced it is revoking TSP for migrants from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security says the program has been “abused and exploited” for decades.

    Chappelear and Angulo say the decision completely goes against why they voted for President Trump in the 2024 election.

    “It now flies in the face of what we thought, you know, we so to speak, were signing up for,” Angulo said. “These are human lives. These are people that did things the right way. They did not cross the border illegally. It’s unthinkable, unimaginable, heartless, and cruel to think of sending anyone back to Haiti in the conditions that are there on the ground in Haiti right now.”

    Angulo says they’ve sent several letters to lawmakers and the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, about the situation in Haiti. The country remains in crisis due to ongoing gang violence.

    “For a myriad of reasons, it’s not the right time to send people back to Haiti,” Angulo said.

    Both women say they plan to do whatever it takes to keep their loved ones from having to leave. Chappelear says it’s not only for their safety, but because America has become their home.

    Chappelear and Angulo have sought legal counsel and plan to share their concerns with Congressman Scott Franklin’s office Friday, April 11.

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  • Study shows Lakeland ranked highest in the nation for foreclosures

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — While the country saw a drop in foreclosures last year, recent data shows Florida’s rates jumped to the highest in the nation. The metropolitan area with the most filings was the city of Lakeland.

    What You Need To Know

    • Recent data from Attom reveals that Lakeland had the highest foreclosure rate in the country in 2024

    • Real estate broker Bob Miller attributes the high foreclosure rates mainly to skyrocketing insurance premiums

    • Miller advises homeowners to shop for new insurance, contact their bank and consider reaching out to real estate attorneys or licensed brokers for help to avoid foreclosure


    According to the real estate analytics firm ATTOM, one in every 172 Lakeland homes was foreclosed on in 2024. The statistics didn’t come as a surprise to real estate broker Bob Miller, who knows firsthand how it feels to lose a home.

    “Back in 2008, when the market crashed, we had actually lost our house,” he said. “What got me involved is we had enough money to pay the mortgage, but the attorney’s fees had gotten so high that I really felt it was unfair and really made me want to get a part of the system and figure out how to help other people.”

    Miller points to factors like high interest rates and the impact of Polk County’s growing population on prices as reasons for the filings. But he says the number one contributor is insurance premiums.

    “They’re just getting totally out of hand. Most people are seeing an increase in their payments between 30 to 50% of their monthly payments, and people just can’t take it anymore,” he said.

    Rather than giving up, Miller advises homeowners to shop around for insurance. If that doesn’t work, he says to pick up the phone and call your bank.

    “When the bank has no knowledge, they’re forced to hire an attorney,” Miller said. “They’re forced to get someone to contact you. And once the attorney gets involved, those payments are going to be 50%, if not 100%, as much as you owe the bank.”

    Miller also recommends contacting a real estate attorney or licensed broker if you need help. Most importantly, he says to remember there are options.

    “The worst thing for you to do is sit there and let the bank move on you. They don’t want your house, but if you force their hand, they have no option,” he said.

    Miller is confident the city will bounce back from the high foreclosure rates. He assures that the current numbers aren’t as high as they were in 2008.

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  • Lakeland Linder Airport navigates safety operations during historic Sun ‘n Fun

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Thousands of pilots are making their way to Lakeland for its annual fly-in and airshow event. This is the first time in history that Lakeland Linder International Airport will host Sun ‘n Fun while also navigating cargo and passenger flights.

    What You Need To Know

    • This is the first year that commercial flights will take place during the Sun ‘n Fun airshow, requiring careful coordination to ensure safe operations

    • Airport personnel are working together to maintain safety and smooth operations for the airshow, cargo and commercial flights

    • The FAA has brought in 60 air traffic controllers to help manage the airspace during the event


    Operations coordinator Shawn Burkett started his day with a full agenda ahead of Sun ‘n Fun’s opening show on Tuesday. Judging by the constant communication coming through his radio, he wasn’t the only one.

    “Today’s kind of our initial test to make sure everything we have in place is set accordingly because we want to make sure that as we get busier and busier, there’s no issues with anything else,” he said.

    This is Burkett’s first year ensuring that operations on the south side of Lakeland Airport run as smoothly as those on the north. He said this includes confirming pilots have proper equipment, responding to incidents and helping manage air traffic.

    “I’ll be in the air box tower helping coordinate when we secure the aerobatic box, coordinate my guys on the ground and gals on the ground to make sure that we are keeping that area secure, making sure I’m relaying any information from the air boss down to those folks. That way, we can make sure that if we see something that could potentially be unsafe, I can send my people to go and address it directly,” Burkett said.

    Airport Director Kris Hallstrand said she and her team have fine-tuned the details since May. Though this will be the first year commercial flights will take place during the air shows, she says the aircraft will not interfere with one another. This is largely thanks to a “Notice to Airmen” sent out to pilots days before the event.

    “It explains our approach procedure into the airport, and they’re different during the event than the rest of the year, so that allows separation of aircraft,” she said. “And air traffic control also tells them to speed up or slow down, to separate where they need to be, and we essentially land two airplanes at a time.”

    The FAA brought in roughly 60 air traffic controllers from across the country to assist with the tailored approach. As for Burkett, he and his crew will be on hand to keep the pilots and the public safe. He said they may also get a chance to catch a glimpse of the show.

    “Obviously, we’re there to make sure everything is opening securely and safely, but you still get front-row seats to one of the best air shows in the world,” Burkett said.

    The airport also has extra security on the ground to ensure the event remains secure. They’ll stay until the final show on April 6.

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  • Lakeland man who rescued child from burning car receives Carnegie Medal

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland man who rescued a 3-year-old boy from a burning car in November has received North America’s highest award for civilian heroism.

    What You Need To Know

    • AJ Slater, a Lakeland man, received the Carnegie Medal for rescuing a 3-year-old boy from a burning car on Nov. 7

    • Slater, who was severely burned in the rescue, now uses his experience to encourage others to take action in emergency situations and refrain from driving under the influence.

    • Slater says he didn’t know he was one of 17 recipients until he received a letter in the mail


    While 30-year-old AJ Slater is thought to be the first person from Polk County to be honored with a Carnegie Medal, he still carries the scars from last year.

    “I think about it all the time, but I try not to think about it, but there are worse times than others when I do break down. I do get emotional,” he said.

    Slater kept his composure as he recounted the tragic car accident on Nov. 7 that injured mother Logan Deines’ 3-year-old son, Walker, and killed her 5-year-old daughter, JoLynn.

    The Polk County Sheriff’s Office says the two children were in the car with their father, 30-year-old Kody Wills, when he crashed into a wooded area at the intersection of Broadway Street and Lake Parker Drive East. According to a toxicology report from the University of Florida Pathology Lab, Wills’ blood alcohol content was 0.25 — three times the legal limit. He now faces several charges, including DUI manslaughter and negligent child abuse, and is awaiting trial.

    Wills’ car collided with a tree, causing it to catch on fire. Slater says he jumped into action after hearing cries for help just blocks away from his home. That’s when he reached into the burning car and pulled out Walker first. He tried to rescue JoLynn, but she didn’t survive.

    “It’s a heartbreak for me. It will always be,” Slater said.

    Since being treated at Tampa General Hospital for second and third-degree burns, Slater has developed a strong bond with Deines and Walker. He’s also been recognized for his heroism. His most recent award, the Carnegie Medal, was given to people living in the U.S. and Canada who risk their own lives to save or attempt to save the lives of others.

    Slater says he didn’t know he was one of 17 recipients until he received a letter in the mail.

    “I’m very grateful, I’m very thankful for it. All these awards are reminders of JoLynn to me. I know I could save Walker, but I could never let go of the fact that I wasn’t able to save both children,” he said. “Being considered a hero, thank you. I’m thankful, I’m grateful, but to me, I’m just a normal person.”

    Now, Slater encourages others to save a life too, whether it’s refraining from getting behind the wheel while under the influence or stepping in the next time seeing someone else in need.

    Along with the Carnegie Medal, each recipient will receive a $7,500 prize. Slater says he plans to use the money to pay off his medical bills.

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  • Proposed Florida bill aims to create statewide animal abuse database

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — A bill that would keep pets out of the hands of animal abusers is making its way through the Senate.

    What You Need To Know

    • Senate Bill 494 would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to publicly list individuals convicted of, or who have pleaded guilty to, animal cruelty

    • The database would help shelters, pet adoption agencies and pet owners screen potential adopters, preventing known abusers from obtaining new animals

    • If passed, the bill will go into effect on July 1


    Senate Bill 494 would require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to list the names of people convicted of or who have pleaded guilty to animal cruelty on its website. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee unanimously advanced the legislation last week.

    Randa Richter, with SPCA Florida, said the bill would help pets like Justice, a two-year-old pit bull whose name serves as a constant reminder of what she deserves.

    “She needs justice. She did not ask to be put in the fighting ring. She did not ask to be bait,” Richter said.

    Richter said Justice arrived at the shelter a year ago with wounds on her face and body. Many have healed, but she said the pain of seeing cases like hers never goes away.

    “It makes you angry and super frustrated that when people who do this are caught, there aren’t stronger laws or enforcement, and they can do it again — or just move a county away and start all over,” she said. “It’s super frustrating that they’re taking an innocent life and putting it in danger.”

    Richter believes a statewide animal abuse database is needed. She said it would not only stop repeat offenders but also help area shelters with their vetting process.

    Right now, the SPCA requires all potential adopters to fill out an application and answer a series of questions. Employees review each response, but ultimately, Richter said, they are left to rely on their gut feeling.

    “We do the best we can to make sure we have the best adopters, but if we can just click on a link and look for their name, it’s just that extra reassurance that they’re going to a good home,” she said.

    Senate Bill 494 is also known as Dexter’s Law, named in honor of a dog found decapitated and dismembered at Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County. The bill would build upon Ponce’s Law, passed in 2018, which increased penalties for animal abuse and allows a judge to ban someone from owning pets again. If passed, the bill will go into effect on July 1.

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  • Local wine seller concerned amid potential 200% tariff on EU wines

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. – Concerns about potential wine and alcohol tariffs are growing across the Tampa Bay area.

    Starting April 2, President Donald Trump says he’ll place a 200% tariff on alcohol, spirits, and wine from the European Union if it moves forward with a 50% tariff on American whiskey.

    What You Need To Know

    • If a 200% tariff on European wines is implemented, local wine seller Johnathan Anglin could be forced to double or even triple the prices

    • Anglin, as a relatively new business owner, faces the difficult decision of raising prices, which could make it harder to attract and retain customers

    • Anglin remains hopeful that President Trump and the European Union will reach a resolution to avoid the tariffs


    Johnathan Anglin Jr., co-owner of Sip Haines City, a self-serve wine-tasting experience, says 85% of the bar’s inventory is imported from Europe.

    “We definitely rely a lot on the import wines,” he said. “The seasonal wine drinkers, they definitely prefer that. They definitely prefer that taste. And there’s definitely a difference in the quality of the imported wines versus domestic.”

    Right now, the bottles he purchases range anywhere from $20 to more than $100. But if a 200% tariff becomes a reality, he says he would be forced to pay double — if not triple — what he currently spends.

    “In order to keep up with that price increase, we have to pass that increase down to the customers, unfortunately,” Anglin said.

    As a fairly new business owner, Anglin says raising his prices is the last thing he wants to do. He says attracting customers to this unique concept has already been a challenge in itself.

    “So now it’s like, how do you get more people and retain the people we have been able to gain so far if there is a price increase?” he said.

    Anglin says he’s hopeful President Trump and the European Union will come to a resolution soon. If not, he says it will take more than just a good glass of wine to ensure his customers’ next sip won’t be their last.

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  • Polk County tax collector to reduce customer capacity at Lakeland location

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Starting Monday, a well-known tax collector’s office in Lakeland will cut the number of customers it serves daily because of floor repairs.

    What You Need To Know

    • Starting Monday, Lakeland’s Tax Collector’s office will cut customer capacity by 50% due to floor repairs, which will last until mid-May

    • Rapid county growth has increased foot traffic, leading to necessary repairs on the historic building
    • Customers are encouraged to visit other service centers in Davenport, Lake Wales, and Bartow


    The historical building on North Massachusetts Avenue, known for its Art Deco style, was originally home to a Publix store in 1953. But now, Polk County Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder and his team say the building needs repairs due to heavy foot traffic.

    “We were seeing about 400 to 500 customers a day. Now, on a daily basis, in this location alone, it’s usually 800 to 1,000 customers,” Assistant Manager Alicia Stephenson said.

    According to a press release, roughly 4.8 million people have visited Lakeland’s only service center since it opened in 2013. Stephenson points to the county’s rapid growth as the reason for the spike in customers.

    Over time, she says, the foot traffic has caused wear and tear to the recognizable building. That’s why a new project was launched to help preserve it, starting with the floors.

    “It’s something that we can’t deny anymore,” Communications Manager Ashleigh Mills said. “We’ve got to be able to repair it because maintenance is important to this investment. This building is so iconic; we want to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars to keep it in its pristine condition.”

    Mills says floor repairs will last through mid-May. In the meantime, the Lakeland office will reduce customer capacity by 50%. Employees plan to shut down 15 service stations during each phase of the project, which could lead to longer wait times.

    “Even though we won’t be able to assist as many customers at this location, we do offer other locations,” Stephenson said. “We’re offering Saturday hours as well in some of our locations, so if they can just be patient with us, it will be beautiful in the end.”

    Polk County’s tax collector encourages customers to visit other service centers in Davenport, Lake Wales, and Bartow.

    To cause as little inconvenience as possible, the Tax Collector also recommends:

    • Online services at www.PolkTaxes.com or mail services for driver license, ID card, and vehicle registration renewals whenever possible

    • Seeking an appointment for driver license, ID card, or concealed weapons services well in advance of expiration dates

    To better serve customers during this time, the Tax Collector has provided for increased service hours, with the addition of Saturday hours twice a month, at select service centers in Polk County. There is also increased staffing in the Call Center and the Tax Collector’s live online chat service.

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  • Lake Bonny residents call for investigation into flooding after Milton

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — As the city of Lakeland takes steps to reduce the risk of flooding near Lake Bonny, residents nearby are calling for more transparency.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland has signed a 90-day agreement with Southwest Florida Water Management District to begin pumping water from Lake Bonny sooner, at a lower threshold, to mitigate flooding risks
    • Longtime residents are questioning the effectiveness of flood management and have petitioned for an independent investigation into the city’s flood response and drainage systems
    • While the city has hired AECOM for a watershed study, residents are demanding a third-party investigation to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the drainage issues contributing to the flooding


    On Monday, the city announced a 90-day emergency agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Rather than waiting until the lake reaches a 10-year flood stage to pump water out, officials can now use the emergency pump much sooner. The new approved permit allows pumping to commence when Lake Bonny reaches 129.60 NAVD.

    Following Hurricane Milton in October of last year, city leaders say they teamed up with Polk County officials to inspect Lake Bonny’s drainage system. Their findings show that the system is fully intact and free of debris or obstructions.

    City officials also say engineering consultant AECOM has been conducting a watershed study since January. However, longtime resident Jan Morsey and her neighbors created a change.org petition to demand an independent investigation into the lake’s flooding.

    Morsey checks daily on one of the main canals that drain water from Lake Bonny to Lake Parker near her home on Lake Bonny Drive East. She says there hasn’t been much progress since Milton.

    “You can see that there’s no actual water flowing through here at all. It’s all just stagnant,” Morsey said. “This has not improved. If anything, it’s only gone downhill because we have more debris that has collected since Milton, and with just the recent rainfall we’ve had — we’ve had a few days that we’ve had some rainfalls — this hasn’t improved.”

    Morsey believes the blocked canal is a large part of the reason why the street she’s lived on since her childhood was flooded in October.

    “We have water levels that FEMA and that we have measured, numerous people have documented of 18 inches. So, we’ve had 18 inches around and inside our home for well over three weeks after Hurricane Milton.”

    The water damaged all of the walls in her home and most of her belongings. So far, Morsey says she’s spent nearly $80,000 on repairs. Despite the out-of-pocket costs, she and her neighbors stress that they aren’t looking for money. Instead, they created the petition simply to get answers.

    “What we want is a light to be shined on what was broken. Accountability for the process that wasn’t in place or, if they were in place, did not work during this disaster,” she said.

    According to city officials, AECOM’s watershed study will review Lake Bonny’s drainage basin and evaluate potential flood relief options. However, community members say they want an investigation by a third-party company not chosen or paid by the city.

    “Having that independent entity takes away the possibility of anyone influencing the outcome in a way that they may not intentionally do,” she said.

    Morsey says an independent investigation will not only help restore trust within the city, but it will provide a clear path moving forward.

    “That’s what we want to see — what happened, and then fix it and make it better,” she said.

    Morsey suggests that the county, state, or another agency select and fund the next third-party company. This way, the city won’t have to be involved.

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  • ‘We’ll be done:’ Local ranch in jeopardy due to potential parkway routes

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    LAKE WALES, Fla. — As community concerns grow over a potential parkway being built near Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, one local rancher shares similar fears for his land.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ellery Farmer, a local rancher, fears that the proposed parkway routes from Florida Turnpike Enterprise will severely impact his land

    • Farmer says the proposed routes could lead to the loss of a substantial part of his ranch, jeopardizing his income and decades of family effort

    • He is calling on FDOT to find an alternative route that would avoid affecting his land and preserve the Lake Wales Ridge’s unique wildlife


    Since Ellery Farmer could remember, his life has been devoted to his family’s ranch.

    “My entire adult life, even as a child, I’ve known agriculture,” said Farmer.

    Farmer’s grandparents originally purchased 10 acres of land alongside Lake Wales Ridge in 1969. The land was later passed down to the generation before him. Then Farmer stepped in and expanded the ranch in hopes of one day handing it off to his daughter, but he says those plans are in jeopardy due to Florida Turnpike Enterprise’s proposed parkway.

    “The proposed B and C routes are just out there where that lone pine tree is that cuts right through there, through the edge of the tree line,” Farmer said, pointing to a section of his land. “Their footprint, they say, is 310 feet wide, but it cuts us off from the bulk of our pasture and calculates out to a quarter of the property that we own, which absolutely puts us out of business.”

    Farmer says he first learned about Florida Turnpike’s plans to create a new toll road in a letter from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The road would connect I-4 with a future Poinciana Connector, State Route 538 – better known as the Poinciana Parkway.

    Study Area

    Image Courtesy: floridasturnpike.com

    While the agency is considering four possible routes, Farmer says he’s been looking for ways to prevent the two that would impact his land. Unfortunately, he says FDOT will be able to claim eminent domain.

    “And then the Ridge will be nothing but pictures on a wall somewhere,” he said. “And there’s wildlife here that lives nowhere else in the world but on the Lake Wales Ridge. If they build an interstate for 28 miles up the ridge, it’ll be gone. It’ll be done, and we’ll be done.”

    Along with losing income, Farmer says his family will lose decades of hard work. That includes his home, which he built with his own two hands.

    “I have friends who spent three years of their lives helping me build a house, and in order to have those kinds of friends, it takes an entire lifetime to find them. So, if they put that road in right there, which is in my backyard, that house is not tenable. It’s no longer the goal,” Farmer said.

    Before the project even reaches that point, Farmer is calling on FDOT officials to find an alternative route.

    “And I don’t have any more right than anybody else to be here, to own what I own. I just happened to be here first. And I’m just asking to leave us alone,” he said. “Leave the ridge alone. Curve it just a little bit and help us save the tiny bit that’s left.”

    In a statement from Florida Turnpike Enterprise, spokesperson Yasir Mercado said:

    “We would like to emphasize that we are actively considering all comments received throughout the Alternative Corridors Evaluation (ACE). The alternatives will be modified based on feedback, and the final selected corridor could be a combination of the four alternatives currently under evaluation.

    We anticipate presenting a selected corridor for additional public input this May and encourage continued public participation. Our goal is to balance transportation needs with minimizing impacts to residents, businesses, and property owners.”

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  • Lakeland Regional Health opens first freestanding emergency department

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland Regional Health celebrated the grand opening of its first freestanding emergency department Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The new freestanding emergency department in South Lakeland aims to enhance access to emergency services for Polk County

    • The facility offers 20 additional beds and three triage rooms, helping to alleviate the workload of the main emergency room

    • The freestanding ER provides 24-hour pediatric care, lab results, CT scans and X-rays

    The goal is to improve access to care for Polk County’s growing population. The medical center has repeatedly been ranked the second-busiest emergency room in the nation, according to Becker’s Hospital Review, a medical trade industry magazine. The opening of the freestanding emergency room brought relief to medical staff, including James Wright.

    “Very exciting for me and our entire team to be able to come to a facility like this,” he said.

    Wright joined the hospital’s main campus as a registered nurse 25 years ago. Since becoming the president of emergency services, he has witnessed Polk County’s rapid growth firsthand, especially in South Lakeland. Now, with the new ER, he says the medical center can better meet the growing demand.

    “The goal really was to provide access to the residents of South Lakeland and have an area much closer to home for them that could provide all of the same emergency services that we can at the main campus,” he said.

    On average, Wright says emergency room staff see over 500 patients per day and more than 200,000 patients each year. The freestanding department will help alleviate some of the workload by providing 20 additional beds and three triage rooms. It also offers 24-hour access to pediatric care, lab results, CT scans and X-rays.

    If patients need further care, Wright says ambulances will be available to transfer them to the hospital.

    “We aren’t transporting patients out of the county. We are Lakeland Regional, and the patients will stay here with us in the community, and that’s very important to them as well,” Wright said.

    Wright foresees the freestanding emergency department becoming a valuable part of the community. Though the facility has been open for less than a week, he’s already looking forward to seeing more across the county.

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