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Tag: Alexis Jones

  • Upcoming action movie showcases Lakeland businesses

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Movie magic is being made in parts of Polk County. 

    A local author is bringing his book to the big screen while showcasing several Lakeland businesses along the way.

    One of the businesses that transformed into a movie set was the Brass Tap, located on Town Center Drive North.

    What You Need To Know

    • Author Rick Cutts is adapting his popular novel Stratagem into a movie, showcasing several Lakeland businesses, including the Brass Tap

    • Cutts actively sought local talent and businesses for the film, receiving enthusiastic support from the Lakeland community
    • Cutts expects to finish production by the end of March and aims for a September release


    “The director came to our bar a couple of times, and he just really liked the atmosphere and the aesthetics of the building,” said general manager Kayla Davis. “He called me one day and wanted to shoot the movie. I asked my higher-ups if that would be okay, and they agreed, and here we are.”

    Davis watched from behind the bar as the cast and crew of the film, titled ‘Stratagem’ ran through each scene. She said the experience was unlike anything she’s witnessed in her nine years at the Brass Tap.

    “You know, we’re in Lakeland, and sometimes things like this don’t typically happen,” she said. “I think it helps with Lakeland being the town that we are. I think it’s really going to help drive revenue, and I think the people in town are going to be proud that it happened here and at our place.”

    Author Rick Cutts said that was his goal when choosing locations to adapt his popular novel into a movie. Instead of taking the film to California, the Chicago native wanted to showcase what the Sunshine State has to offer.

    “I said we have palm trees here, we have beautiful scenery, amazing people, and I thought to myself, ‘Why not do it in Florida?“ he said. “So, I started doing everything in Florida to highlight all the great people and businesses in the community.”

    Along with filming at over five Lakeland-based businesses, Cutts actively sought local talent. So far, he said the community’s response has been incredible.

    “They want this, they’re hungry for it,” Cutts said. “The people, there’s so much talent, and there are so many businesses that want to be highlighted and shown in a good light. And to see someone actually do that in this community, they’re ecstatic about it.”

    Not only did Cutts write the film, but he’s also directing and shooting everything on his iPhone. He even had Davis step in front of the camera, which came as a surprise to her.

    “I knew I would kind of be here and let everyone in and help out where I could, but I ended up being the bartender, so it was fun,” she said.

    Davis admits she is a little nervous about seeing herself on the big screen, but she’s excited to represent the bar, hoping the publicity will bring in new customers once the film premieres.

    Cutts expects to wrap up production by the end of March. He said he’s aiming to release the movie by September.

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    Alexis Jones

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  • Federal job cuts impact Lakeland NOAA meteorologist

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — This hurricane season could be much different from years past due to federal job cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

    The agency began laying off hundreds of probationary employees on Thursday, Feb. 27, including meteorologists. It marks the latest round of mass federal job cuts under the Trump administration.

    Like many who have had the chance to fly into the heart of a storm, Kerri Englert says being a flight director for NOAA was a dream come true.

    “It was 10 years in the making for me to get to that position,” she said. “I left the active-duty Navy to go back to school to get meteorology credentials so I could pair up what I did in the Navy as a mission commander in an aircraft and my meteorology passion as well.” 

    The Navy veteran began working at Lakeland’s NOAA Aircraft Operations Center in 2023. Over the past few months, she heard rumors about the possibility of federal layoffs but didn’t believe it would happen. It wasn’t until she received a termination letter that reality began to set in.

    “‘The agency finds that you are not fit for continued employment because your ability, knowledge, and/or skills do not fit the agency’s current needs,’” Englert read. “That hurt. That really hurt. This was not merit-based. I was merely one-and-a-half years into a two-year probationary period. So, to hear that your abilities and knowledge are not needed is kind of gut-wrenching.”

    However, Englert said it hurts even more because she believes the public will be impacted, too.

    “NOAA — we collect data,” she said. “We are the keepers of a lot of that data. However, it is open sourced. It’s available to the public. This is everything from fishery, ocean, everything from your atmospheric daily weather to severe storms.

    “So, it’s really to the benefit of the public as far as really understanding the environment you’re in and how NOAA affects you on a day-to-day basis, really.” 

    Now, with more than 800 job cuts at NOAA nationwide, including in Lakeland, Englert said she’s concerned about the upcoming hurricane season. The Aircraft Operations Center houses NOAA’s planes, which provide live data during storms.

    “Ultimately, because of the layoffs and the cuts, you’re potentially looking at not being able to complete all of the mission objectives — or even the missions themselves — as far as the required flights that we’ve had in order to incorporate this data into the models,” Englert said.

    This, she said, could lead to inaccurate information.

    “It’s going to result in more uncertainty as well as downstream effects such as greater areas of evacuations, greater areas of emergency response and planning, as well as greater rebuild,” she said. 

    Englert said probationary employees played a crucial role in NOAA’s work, not only because it’s what they love to do, but also because their work serves the public.

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  • Community petition seeks to block large-scale development in Bartow

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    BARTOW, Fla. — More than 2,000 single-family homes may be coming to Bartow. 

    If approved by city commissioners, 900 acres located on State Road 60 and Peace Creek will become the site of Emillie at Bartow, a large-scale community. However, community members hope to block the development through a new petition.

    The growing number of signatures on the Change.org petition has placed a smile on Bartow resident Marie Carvajal’s face. 

    What You Need To Know

    • A petition seeks to block the Emillie at Bartow development, fearing it will strain infrastructure and disrupt the town’s small-town feel

    • Developer David Waronker argues the project will generate funding for schools and have minimal impact on the community

    • Bartow city leaders are expected to vote on the project in the coming months


    “We’re a community here,” she said. “We’re very strong on family and friendship, and it just feels…when you go downtown or just go to the grocery store, you know, you see people you went to high school with or people that are your neighbors, and it’s just a great community feeling. And I don’t want that to go away.”

    Carvajal moved to the area with her family 34 years ago. Since then, she’s seen a lot of growth. But before the city welcomes new development, she said leaders should address the ongoing issues the community faces.

    “We have our infrastructure that can’t support more people,” Carvajal said. “Our roads are in dismay, our schools that this neighborhood wants to put all these children in the same schools, we already have. Just doesn’t make sense to me. There’s flooding in 60. The list can go on.”

    However, David Waronker, owner of CBD Real Estate, said his single-family homes would help alleviate some of the problems, not add to them.

    He said the project would generate over $30 million for schools near State Road 60 and Peace Creek. Waronker said his team also has conducted extensive studies over the past four years, which show the project will have a minimal impact on the community.

    The proposed 900-acre community called Emilie at Bartow would be located north of State Road 60 at Peace Creek (CBD Real Estate)

    “I am very sensitive to the concerns of the residents and the city,” Waronker said. “Traffic, its drainage and flooding, and every other impact that’s scary, including impacts on schools.

    “But the way our application is planned out, I think when you look at the core of the application and study it, you’re going to say, wow, this is a well-planned community.”

    If approved, Waronker assures that construction will be gradual. He says the first tenant wouldn’t move in for at least three years. While Carvajal understands the need for change, she believes now isn’t the right time.

    “In the last five years, we had three developments come to Bartow, and nothing has changed,” she said. “Things are getting worse. We’re just stuffing more people into a small area, and like I said, I feel like it’s just ruining and taking away from the small town that I love.”

    Bartow city leaders plan to vote on the proposed project in the next three months.

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  • Winter Haven police and mother detail incident involving 3-year-old

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — The Winter Haven Police Department detailed the moments leading up to a viral video of officers detaining a woman as she lies on the ground beside her 3-year-old daughter.

    Police Chief Vance Monroe said the incident happened Tuesday at around 1:15 p.m. outside the American Legion Post in Winter Haven.

    The mother, 27-year-old Mariah Banks, said the series of events is still traumatic for her to see. She and her daughter, Symphony, got on the ground following direct orders from officers.

    What You Need To Know

    • Winter Haven police respond to viral video of officers detaining a woman as she lies on the ground beside her 3-year-old daughter

    • The mother, 27-year-old Mariah Banks, said the series of events is still traumatic for her to see

    • Police Chief Vance Monroe acknowledged the bad optics of the incident 
    • Banks says the incident will leave a lasting impact on her daughter. She’s seeking support from professionals to help her child process what happened

    “Down on the ground! Get down!” officers commanded, according to newly released body camera footage.

    “Everybody seen clear as day they had their guns pointed directly at me and her,” Banks said. “That made her fearful for her life that she had no other choice but to get on that ground and lay down and put her hands on her back.”

    Banks said she was in disbelief when she saw officers draw their guns. She had originally thought the police arrived at the American Legion for her boyfriend, 29-year-old Godfrey Hercules.

    Hercules was involved in an altercation with an employee at a nearby store called Santiago’s just moments earlier. Banks said Hercules decided to separate from her and their daughter to keep them out of harm’s way as officers approached the building.


    She said she never imagined her child would end up being impacted.

    “Y’all could have moved her from out of proximity and had y’all guns pointed at me,” Banks said. “Anything but my baby. She’s a child. Three years old. She doesn’t deserve something like this.”

    During a press conference, Police Chief Vance Monroe stood alongside local leaders and area pastors as he acknowledged the bad optics of the incident.

    “I truly wish that this child wasn’t exposed to this,” he said. “I’m a father, I’m a grandfather, just like the officers that responded. In hindsight, I wish there was something we could change how this young lady engaged with us or how we engaged with her.”

    Monroe added that the four officers acted within the department’s policies.

    He said they responded to a disturbance involving a firearm, which led to a be-on-the-lookout (BOLO) for Hercules’ red Nissan Altima. After officers located the vehicle, body cam video shows them apprehending Hercules on the side of the building and taking him into custody. Monroe said officers then ordered Banks to get on the ground once she approached the scene with a cellphone.

    “You have to remember, we have a BOLO out for an armed disturbance, a person with a firearm. We don’t know who has the firearm,” he said. “We don’t know who has it and we don’t know where the firearm is. We just have to secure the people that’s there.”

    Monroe stressed the officers’ orders were only for Banks, but her daughter mimicked her actions.

    “At no point did an officer aim a weapon at the child,” Monroe said. “Body cam footage confirms that once officers realized a child was present, the firearm was immediately lowered.”

    In a still image from the video, Mariah Banks and her 3-year-old daughter can be seen on the ground with police officers present. (Courtesy Deshoun Hamilton)

    He said officers also worked to comfort the 3-year-old, but the chief said his officers were unable to initially remove the child from the scene because there were not enough personnel present.

    Moving forward, Monroe said the department will train officers on how to better respond to situations involving a child.

    However, Banks said this incident will leave a lasting impact.

    “They’re supposed to serve and protect,” she said. “My baby never felt that. She didn’t feel protected, she didn’t feel served. She felt hurt.”

    Banks said she’s currently seeking professional help to help her daughter process what happened.

    Monroe said officers eventually found a Diamondback 9mm semiautomatic pistol in the couple’s vehicle.

    Both Banks and Hercules were released at the scene after the store employee declined to press charges.

    However, the State Attorney’s Office filed complaint affidavits against Hercules for affray and improper display of a weapon.

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  • Polk County adding 75 to fire department to reduce burnout

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Polk County Fire Department is looking to fill dozens of new positions after dealing with schedule burnout.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County Fire Rescue aims to hire 75 new employees, particularly in field positions, to reduce overtime and improve work-life balance

    • The county spent approximately $14 million on overtime pay last year, and Halman emphasizes that these funds could be better spent on hiring additional staff

    • The Polk County Board of Commissioners recently approved $9.2 million to support staffing


    Joe Halman Jr., deputy county manager for public safety, says his 32 years as chief of law enforcement taught him the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. This is why he and other leaders are working to provide that balance for hundreds of paramedics, EMTs and firefighters.

    “We know being a firefighter is a lot of work. It’s very demanding,” he said. “Number one, they work 24-hour shifts. Number two, they see things that you and I, well not me, but you, probably will never see in a lifetime, and mentally, that can take a toll on you.”

    To reduce high turnover and burnout, Halman plans to fill 75 new positions. Currently, he says Polk County Fire Rescue employs more than 800 people, with 612 of them being field personnel who often work long hours, including overtime, due to a lack of overlapping resources.

    Joe Halman Jr., deputy county manager for public safety, says his 32 years as chief of law enforcement taught him the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. (Spectrum Bay News 9/Alexis Jones)

    “So by having 25 extra per shift, that will allow us to basically eliminate most of the overtime,” Halman said.

    Just last year, Halman says the county spent about $14 million on overtime pay. He says that money can go toward hiring more staff, along with the $9.2 million the Polk County Board of Commissioners approved this month.

    “Because we want to be the destination place to work, but we’ve got to make sure our folks are healthy, make sure they’re working in a good environment, and make sure they have the tools they need,” he said.

    “And the Board of County Commissioners has done a great job to ensure that we have good buildings to work out of, good equipment to operate with, and a competitive salary. Now we’ve got to deal with this schedule.”

    Halman and his team expect to address the schedule issue soon, hopefully with new hires who are just as eager as he was when he first started.

    View details to apply for a position with Polk County Fire.

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  • Beloved Bartow artist honored for contributions during Black History Month

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    BARTOW, Fla. — From the melodies he sings to the clothes he wears, the spirit of the Old West still lives within James Camp.

    What You Need To Know

    • James “Lone Star” Camp, 85, is known for his western-themed artwork

    • Because of Camp’s contributions, he received the 2025 Black History Month Champion Award from the city of Bartow

    • Camp credits his success to God and his supporter




    “In school, I used to draw the circus,” Camp said. “Then I started watching westerns and silver saddle and things. Fancy gun belts, silver bullets kind of took my eye.”

    Camp, who goes by the nickname “Lone Star,” dreamed of becoming a western actor as a child. Though the 85-year-old never made it to Hollywood, his love for the era is captured in his artwork.

    “(I) haven’t spilled a drop yet. I’m still good,” he said with a chuckle.

    Camp said he first picked up a paintbrush when he was a teenager. Over the years, he left his mark on the sides of buildings from Polk County to Mississippi, including Treasure Marts in Bartow. Now, people from all over travel to Bartow just to buy one of his paintings.

    “I think of the good Lord when I paint, because he’s the one who gave it to me,” Camp said. “And I’ve done a good job lighting up the city, beautifying it. You’re not playing the part of anybody — you’re playing the part that God wants you to play. And I enjoy doing what I did. I brought a lot of love toward myself and people.”

    Bartow leaders recognized his contributions during a city commission meeting earlier this month, which Camp received wearing his cowboy hat and with a song in his heart.

    “I love me an old western song,” he said.


    While inside City Hall, Commissioner Leo Longworth shared a few words as he presented Camp with the 2025 Black History Month Champion Award.

    “So, we want to present to you and introduce to others, James L. ‘Cowboy’ Lone Star Camp, the man who Hollywood overlooked,” Longworth said.

    Now, Camp is certainly in the spotlight.

    “I feel satisfied,” he said. “I feel like I’m wanted. Like I’m someone.”

    But to the community, Camp is more than just somebody — he’s a legend. And if you ask him, he would say it wouldn’t have been possible without God and his supporters.

    “And I want to thank you all out there, people that I never saw,” he said. “I’m your friend. Regardless of who you are, I’m a friend and I just want you to know that.”

    In addition to being honored this year by Bartow’s City Commission, the city had also previously proclaimed June 10 as James “Lone Star” Camp Day.

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  • ‘It’s time to leave the country’: Florida sheriffs to tackle illegal immigration

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. —  Sheriffs from across the state are taking steps to address illegal immigration. 

    On Monday, members of the Florida Sheriffs Association gathered in Polk County to announce updates on 287(g) compliance.

    Three programs under this provision will allow local authorities to assist with immigration enforcement — both in jails and on the streets.

    This means deputies and correction officers will be able to make probable-cause arrests, participate in street task forces, and issue warrants.

    Sixty-seven memorandums of agreement have been officially signed for all of Florida’s county jails. This allows staff to issue warrants for undocumented immigrants, notifying ICE when they are arrested and booked.

    “So these people are deported and not released back into the community to commit more crimes,” Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said.

    Sheriff Gualtieri helped lead the conversation about immigration. The issue hits close to home for him, as a man who was deported twice to Honduras killed one of his deputies in 2022 in a construction incident. Gualtieri says incidents like this are why ICE needs assistance from local authorities.

    “Because it keeps clearly bad people from getting back on the street where ICE has to spend resources, and we have to help them go find these people,” he said. “It’s also safer for the ICE officers to take these people into custody from the jail.”

    To ensure deputies and corrections officers are prepared, Gualtieri says they will undergo four hours of training for the warrant-service program. Other training sessions will take about five days.

    Once the programs are up and running, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says the biggest hurdle will be bed space. He says ICE only has 2,000 beds throughout Florida, and they’re all full.

    “There is no capacity in the sheriff’s or the county jails of this state to make any negligible difference. We’ve got to have the federal government make capacity,” Sheriff Judd said. “That’s why we’re here making this statement today, and the federal government knows this. They have to create capacity. We can bring them all the business they can handle and more.”

    In the meantime, Sheriff Judd is leaving undocumented immigrants with two options.

    “It’s time to leave the country. You can leave by yourself or you can leave in handcuffs,” he said.

    The Florida Sheriffs Association expects operations to begin within the next 15 to 30 days. As of now, members say the plan for training will remain fluid.

    Spectrum News talked about that with immigration attorney Danielle Hernandez about the new changes. Hernandez has been on both sides of this issue. She represented the government in some immigration cases and now represents immigrants.

    Hernandez fears that under the updated provision, deputies may stop people simply because of the color of their skin, which she believes violates the Constitution.

    “I don’t know where the probable cause will come from. People need to remember the Constitution of the United States protects every single individual irrespective of their status in this country,” she said. “It does not matter who you are or what your background is. The police need probable cause to just stop you to determine whether you have broken the law or not.”

    Hernandez is afraid that this might lead to people of color in this country legally being harassed by local law enforcement. However, the sheriffs say their focus is on undocumented immigrants who are also committing other crimes.

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  • Spring training to drive economic boost in Lakeland

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — As baseball fans flock to the Sunshine State for spring training games, the director of Visit Central Florida expects the economic impact to increase from last year. 

    Mark Jackson said spring training in 2024 generated $683 million for Florida’s economy. He attributes part of that success to the Detroit Tigers’ 89-year history in Lakeland, making it the longest-running relationship between a Major League Baseball team and its host city.

    “The Tigers’ spring operation is not just the six weeks. That goes all year round with the training, the medical, and all the other things that happen right here in Polk County,” Jackson said. “So we’re better off financially, and our quality of life, of course, is enhanced as well.”

    Joker Marchant Stadium is the spring training home of the Tigers, and nearby businesses are benefiting from the influx of visitors.

    The Tigers have 15 home games on their spring training schedule before the Major League Baseball season begins. 

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  • Lakeland to redesign dangerous intersection due to design flaw

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Officials are taking a closer look at one of Lakeland’s most dangerous roads.

    What You Need To Know

    • The intersection of Sleepy Hill Road and Kennedy Boulevard is known for many car accidents, prompting officials to reevaluate its design

    • Civil Engineering Manager Ryan Lazenby highlights several issues with the road’s design, including a sharp curve

    • Lakeland is allocating $75,000 to redesign the curve and is seeking $1 million in grants to help fund construction costs 


    The intersection of Sleepy Hill Road and Kennedy Boulevard is a known area for car wrecks. When Steven Boutwell isn’t at work, he keeps his ear to the streets nearby.

    “I was just sitting there playing video games, and I just heard ‘errrrr,’ like loud screeches. ‘KAPOW!’ And it was a big, black — I think it was a Ford,” he said.

    That was Boutwell’s description of one of the two car crashes he has witnessed since moving to Sunset Lakes Apartment Complex six months ago. He said it is clear that both wrecks were the result of more than just reckless driving.

    “It definitely has to do with that sharp side right there, especially with those two loopy loops, those turns back to back like that,” Boutwell said. “I don’t know, it’s kind of sketchy. If you’re going at least the speed limit, it still feels like you’re leaning in your car.”

    At Lakeland City Hall, Civil Engineering Manager Ryan Lazenby said it is not very often that collisions are caused by a design flaw. However, after taking a closer look at the intersection recently, he said traffic engineers realized it needs to be completely redesigned.

    “We’ve seen some concerns with the minimal radius out there; it’s about 375 feet. That doesn’t comply with Florida Greenbook requirements. The super elevation is about 2.5%, and given the radius, it doesn’t comply with Florida Greenbook requirements,” he said. “Also, there’s kind of a weird reverse curve effect, so it gets drivers going in one direction before it turns in the other direction. All those things compounded together are leading to some crashes off the road.”

    Twenty-five car accidents were reported on the roadway within the past five years, including one fatal accident in 2021, Lazenby said.

    So far, his team has removed two trees from the median to reduce the number of wrecks.

    The city has allocated $75,000 from its current fiscal budget to redesign the curve on Sleepy Hill Road and will seek $1 million in grants to help with construction costs, Lazenby said. 

    In the meantime, Boutwell advises everyone to drive with caution.

    “You got to pay attention. Just pay attention, honestly,” he said. “It’s a very sharp turn. So it’s just kind of one of those things where anything can happen if you’re not looking out for yourself and around.”

    Lazenby said it will take at least a year to finish the new design of the intersection.

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  • Dentists weigh in ahead of Lakeland’s water fluoridation discussion

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Lakeland is the latest city in Polk County to discuss whether to continue adding fluoride to its drinking water.

    City commissioners plan to listen to both sides of the debate during an upcoming public hearing. Initially scheduled for Monday, a public hearing on fluoridation does not appear on the commission’s agenda for that morning.

    While the use of fluoride is up for debate in Lakeland, Dr. Aaron Scheps says he sees every day why the long-held practice should continue.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lakeland is considering whether to continue adding fluoride to its drinking water

    • Dr. Aaron Scheps argues fluoride is crucial for preventing cavities, especially in underserved areas

    • Dr. Andrew Agnini agrees with the benefits of water fluoridation, but calls for a more open discussion

    “Boots on the ground, day in and day out, in a practice, I see kids coming through this door with tons of cavities despite having some fluoride in the water,” he said. “And that might be their only source of fluoride. It’s their only fighting chance of having these cavities not get so bad.”

    For the last eight years, Scheps’ office, Dentistry for Children, has served one of the city’s most underserved communities. He says without fluoride being readily available, the children he treats will be worse off.

    “Guarantee if we take fluoride out of the water, kids are going to get more cavities, they’re going to miss more school, and it’s just going to make this underserved area in more need,” Scheps said.

    At Agnini Family Dental, Dr. Andrew Agnini agrees that fluoridated water is proven to effectively prevent tooth decay. However, the Lakeland native believes the dental community should be more open to hearing other viewpoints.

    “If you look at some of the well-founded studies that are for fluoride, it does list some of those negatives, so you have to always look at any community: does one outweigh the other?” he said. “So, I think that’s where the dental industry falls — the benefits far outweigh the potential negatives, and the argument about cognitive abilities and cognitive health, I think that does have a standing that needs to be looked at.”

    A report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that high fluoride exposure can negatively impact children’s developing brains and IQs. However, Scheps says there are just as many studies supporting the mineral as there are against it.

    “And the studies that we do have that show that fluoride is helpful tend to be of a higher level of evidence. A little bit more credible,” he said.

    Which he hopes city leaders will consider before making a final decision.

    Lakeland is one of the five cities in Polk County that still adds fluoride to its drinking water, along with Bartow, Auburndale, Haines City and Lake Alfred.

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  • Florida Polytechnic professor makes discovery with water-walking insects

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Through the doors of Florida Polytechnic University’s Barnett Applied Research Center, small yet groundbreaking strides are being made.

    What You Need To Know

    • Dr. Daren Watson’s research at Florida Polytechnic University explores how water-walking insects survive rainfall

    • Key attributes like water repellency and buoyancy help insects stay afloat during rain

    • Watson’s findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), advancing insect research and inspiring future studies


    “We usually track the interactions one drop at a time to see how that drop interacts with the microplastics that are on top of the water,” said Dr. Daren Watson, a mechanical engineering professor.

    Watson uses a rain simulator to conduct research. Each droplet mimics actual raindrops, while tiny microplastics serve as stand-ins for water-walking insects, also known as striders.

    “Because of the size of the insects, we see that the study translates well with respect to these microplastics,” he said.

    The Jamaica native began closely studying water striders with his team in 2021. The idea for the research came from a kayaking trip, one of his favorite activities when he’s not in the lab.

    “When I’m kayaking, you can see these small insects gliding along the surface of the water, and the curiosity came. How do these insects survive during rainfall?” Watson said.

    Using a high-speed camera, Watson was able to uncover the secret behind their resilience.

    “What it showed us is that the insects’ morphological features enable them to withstand rainfalls, even those with drops much larger than the insects themselves,” he said.

    Watson says the striders’ key attributes include water repellency, natural buoyancy and a lightweight structure.

    “You can see that protective air bubble around the insect because of its extreme hydrophobicity,” he said. “So, this air bubble here helps the insect in terms of preventing drowning, and they’re able to lock beneath the surface.” 

    Watson’s remarkable discovery is contributing to cutting-edge science. His findings were even published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), one of the world’s top multidisciplinary scientific journals.

    “I was very elated when we got into PNAS, and it just showed the quality work that we were able to accomplish,“ he said.

    Now, Watson is turning his attention to the future. His next area of study involves land-based crawlers.

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  • Veterinarians concerned for Lakeland swans as bird flu cases rise

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — While people typically visit Lake Morton to feed the swans, experts recommend admiring the beloved birds from afar.

    What You Need To Know

    • Veterinarians are concerned about the potential impact of bird flu on Lakeland’s royal swans

    • Precautions, such as hand sanitizing and avoiding direct contact with swans, are recommended to prevent the spread of the virus

    • The U.S. Department of Agriculture is working on a vaccine to help control the spread of bird flu


    As bird flu cases spread across the U.S., Lakeland’s royal swans may be at risk.

    Dr. Price Dickson, veterinarian at My Pet’s Animal Hospital, started caring for the 53 swans at Lake Morton in 2019. However, recently she and other experts have become concerned about their health due to bird flu.

    “Like any flu, it can be fatal and unfortunately bird flu can also affect the nervous system, causing seizures, high fevers, and other symptoms, as well as respiratory effects,” she said.

    Thankfully, Dr. Dickson says swans prefer social distancing, unlike ducks and pelicans. However, they could come into contact with wild birds migrating from other areas. She says this increases the risk of the virus spreading through the swan population and to peoples’ pets.

    “If we’re touching a bird and we get the virus on our hands, and touch mouths, noses, or bring it home and touch a cat or a bird, then that can be transmitted through mucous membranes,” Dr. Dickson said.

    Though no bird flu cases have been reported in Polk County so far, she advises the community to take extra precautions when visiting the lake.

    “If they are doing things like feeding the ducks and then going and feeding the swans, try to use hand sanitizer, or wash their hands in between, or just throw the food on the ground rather than getting them to do beak-to-hand touching,” she said.

    Dr. Dickson recommends people be on the lookout for bird flu symptoms, like their pets sneezing, showing fatigue, or having seizures. In the meantime, she and the city will do their part to keep the swans around for years to come.

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture is also working on a vaccine to stop the virus from spreading.

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  • Bartow Air Traffic Control Academy looks to help industry’s worker shortage

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Following a tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C., a Bay area college is working to address the industry’s staffing shortage.

    “We don’t know what the situation really is until the TSB and FAA tell us what happened,” Randy Clayton, control tower operator and instructor, said.

    “We can’t say it’s a manning issue, but what we can say is that the manning shortfalls do put pressure on the system. We need to make sure that, if it was a manning shortfall or stress from overwork, we need to fill those slots and get people in those positions.”

    Clayton is looking to fill those vacancies through Traviss Technical College’s new Air Traffic Control Academy. The 10-month program will be held at the Bartow Executive Airport as part of its partnership with the accredited school.

    “This is where, whenever we’re doing all of our term exams and things like that, this is where our students will be,” he said, pointing to an empty classroom.

    Classes are set to begin on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Once students complete the course, they must be verified by a control tower operator examiner, who will determine if they’re qualified for a certificate through the FAA.

    “Then you’ll be able to go to the FCTs and NFCTs that we have associations with,” Clayton said. “They’ll plug you into their system, another rotation, you start to get qualified, and join the community.”

    He says hopefully this will help end the industry’s years-long employee shortage and reduce worker burnout.

    “We really want those people to have longevity when it comes to controlling, and this will help that out so they can get more time off, a better work-life ratio, and you know, all of my friends and family who are controllers will be able to continue doing what they’re doing and actually enjoy life,” Clayton said.

    View information on joining Traviss Technical College’s Air Traffic Control Academy.

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  • Winter Haven theater to help employees affected by Legoland layoffs

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    WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Massive layoffs were announced for one of Florida’s top theme parks, which has prompted members of the Winter Haven community into action.

    What You Need To Know

    • Legoland Florida Resort announced it will lay off more than 200 of its employees

    • The majority of the employees affected are from the theme park’s entertainment department

    • Theatre Winter Haven and the Ritz Theatre plan to host an event to benefit those impacted by the layoffs


    Legoland Florida Resort said it will let go of more than 200 employees in the coming months, mostly from its entertainment department. 

    Just up the road from the theme park, Theatre Winter Haven Executive Director Dan Chesnicka said many of the performers and technicians got their start at the theater. He has continued to root for them, especially during this time of uncertainty. 

    “A lot of folks are concerned of course. It will be a time of transition for everybody, which of course is scary,” he said. “Legoland has been a real part of this community for decades, when before it was Cypress Gardens, so it’s really close to Winter Haven, and we have a real affection for it.”

    As for the employees affected, Chesnicka said the show will still go on.

    “These folks are remarkably talented, and I know all of them are going to land on their feet somewhere,” he said.

    To ensure a smooth transition, Theatre Winter Haven and the Ritz Theatre plan to host an event to help those impacted.

    “So we’ll have a pay-what-you-can event with many opportunities to donate to the various performers throughout the evening, but even more importantly, we’re going to invite a number of agents, talent scouts and casting personnel to come witness the event we put on, where some of those folks will be able to perform and showcase their talents,” he said.

    Chesnicka says several agents from around Florida have already agreed to attend. Though his team is still working to set a date for the event, he assures it will be before Legoland employees say their final goodbyes in March.

    In a statement, a spokesperson for Legoland, Julie Estrada, told Spectrum Bay News 9:

    “At Legoland Florida Resort, we are making operational changes to help us elevate the guest experience in 2025 and beyond.

    The decision to reduce the size of our entertainment team was undoubtedly difficult, but these changes will allow the resort to operate more flexibly and responsively in a competitive market.

    We are supporting employees during this period of change and will do all we can to help them find alternative employment, including sharing audition opportunities within the external global entertainment provider.”

    Legoland layoffs will continue through April 7.

    According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice sent out by the Florida Department on Jan. 24, 234 employees at Legoland have until March 25 to find new employment. This includes managers, technicians and performers. Nearly 75% of the employees are classified as entertainment performers.

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  • FEMA disaster survivors displaced again after Lakeland hotel fire

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — Several Polk County residents are displaced after an early-morning fire Friday.

    What You Need To Know

    • FEMA disaster survivors were displaced by an early-morning fire at Imperial Swan Hotel and Suites on Friday 

    • The Lakeland Fire Department says the fire started on the second floor of the hotel

    • Displaced residents can search here for participating FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance hotels


    The Lakeland Fire Department says it happened at about 5:40 a.m. at the Imperial Swan Hotel and Suites, which was providing temporary shelter to disaster survivors through FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA).

    Resident Mariah Brooks stood outside the hotel with what was left of her belongings. She says she and her children were asleep Friday when they were startled by fire alarms.

    “I was completely unprepared,” she said. “No time to grab bottles, no time to grab formula, no time to grab a diaper bag.”

    Brooks says she initially thought the fire was a hoax after experiencing false alarms since October. She says the incident didn’t feel real until she saw water shoot from a second-floor window.

    “And then we couldn’t go back up. There was no going back up. Once it happened, it happened,” she said.

    It is forcing her to relive a nightmare similar to the day her home was flooded during Hurricane Milton.

    “When you gain a loss, you expect to gain improvement from it. You expect there to be a silver lining,” she said. “Coming here, I thought it would be a safety net, a house, and a roof over my kids’ heads, which has turned into the most disastrous situation you can imagine.”

    While the blaze was contained to one hotel room on the second floor, Stephanie Lewis with the Lakeland Fire Department says firefighters shut off the building’s water main after its sprinkler system was activated. She says people can no longer stay inside until the owner repairs the system and addresses several pending fire code violations.

    “Standard procedure — we do have places with fire code violations, and we work with them. It’s not an immediate shutdown,” she said. “If it’s something that we think is a life safety concern, obviously that’s when it gets shut down, and currently, that’s the state of this particular facility.”

    In the meantime, Lewis says survivors were able to grab as many of their belongings as they could. They can also search here for TSA-participating hotels or contact a TSA agent at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance.

    However, it is ultimately left to each family to secure accommodations, which Brooks says is unfortunate.

    “It’s very defeating. I feel like I don’t know where to turn or where I’m going to go but pray to God that he’ll get me there,” she says.

    State fire marshals are currently investigating the cause of the fire. Officials say there were no casualties except for a dog that was in the hotel room at the time of the fire.

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  • Polk County leaders put new road closure regulations in place

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. — Extended road closures are no longer allowed in Polk County without approval from the Board of County Commissioners.

    What You Need To Know

    • Polk County staff originally granted a developer  220 days to close West Lake Marion Road for the construction of a roundabout

    • They later shortened the closure to 113 days following criticism from county commissioners and residents

    • Commissioners voted to block the closure on Tuesday, so the developer will need to present an alternate proposal


    Commissioners adopted the resolution Tuesday after county staff granted a developer 220 days to close West Lake Marion Road for the construction of a roundabout at the entrance of a new subdivision.

    They later shortened the closure to 113 days following criticism. However, residents and commissioners were still displeased.

    Yakeline Pottle lives across the street from the planned 425-home Groves at Grenelefe subdivision. She says her family moved to the area in 2010 for a quiet place to enjoy wildlife, but on Friday, she fought back tears as she shared how much had changed.

    “I saw so many deer, turkeys running from this thing (construction),” she said. “They scared them away. That killed our hearts.”

    Pottle said the construction is also damaging her health. She says she can no longer step outside without the air quality affecting her asthma.

    “I have to get more medicine in my body because, look, you don’t see? There’s smoke every day,” she said. “And the dust and everything never happened. We were happy the way we were.”

    Thankfully, Pottle says she no longer has to worry about a lengthy road closure — one that would have made her life harder to navigate.

    “How would we go to work? What time would I have to leave? Like 11 o’clock? How are we going to avoid the detours?” she said.

    This is why Polk County Commissioner Michael Scott said officials unanimously blocked SHD Properties’ plan to build a roundabout and implemented a resolution requiring that closures longer than five days be approved by the commission.

    “The residents did not like the fact of not having a voice in a road closure that would impact their neighborhood, and this certainly gives them that ability,” Scott said. “Because, if it comes before the board, it allows residents or business owners to come and likely be heard.”

    Now, SHD Properties will need to present an alternate proposal for the subdivision’s entrance. One Scott said would have to be completed in a reasonable amount of time and with fewer detours.

    “There are alternatives to roundabouts. Roundabouts aren’t the only type of intersection improvement,” he said. “There are certainly a number of different ways to approach it from a project satisfaction perspective, to meet the requirements of regulating traffic flow and making it a safe intersection.”

    Pottle agrees with the commissioner. However, she said there’s only one alternative she would like to see.

    “I’d be happier if they stopped the construction,” she said.

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  • Polk County standout returns to pro basketball, joins the Big3

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    HAINES CITY, Fla. — One Polk County pro basketball player is returning to professional basketball after an injury ended his career.

    What You Need To Know

    • Dazeran Jones is returning to professional basketball after a foot injury ended his playing career 

    • Over the years, Jones found unique ways to stay in the sport, including becoming a motion-capture actor for NBA 2K series

    • Now, he’s preparing for the Big3, a 3-on-3 pro basketball league owned by rapper Ice Cube


    Dazeran Jones experienced a passion for the sport on a larger scale when he played collegiately for N.A.I.A Warner University and later spent time with the Jacksonville Giants of the American Basketball Association.

    “This is my first championship trophy,” he said, pointing to a championship ring. “This one means a lot to me because it’s a big ring. Like, we earned it — game by game, practicing every day, fighting through adversity.”

    Unfortunately, Jones faced his biggest challenge when a foot injury forced him to end his playing career. But he wasn’t ready to give up the game, and he found unique ways to stay in the sport. In 2022, Jones started a career as a motion-capture actor for the popular video game series, NBA 2K. That role also helped him land a part in the reboot of the movie, “White Men Can’t Jump.” 

    “I started taking acting a little more seriously after that,” he said. “I still have a lot to learn, but that jump-started an acting career through basketball.”

    Jones missed the game itself, though, and decided to try out for the Big3, a 3-on-3 pro basketball league owned by rapper Ice Cube. Although he initially went undrafted, he received a call a couple of weeks later from the team “The Killer 3s,” expressing interest.

    Dazeran Jones playing in the Big3. (Photo Courtesy: Dazeran Jones)

    “Everybody embraced me from here to here, from Ice Cube to the regular staff,” he said. “I met a lot of different people, a lot of greats. Probably everybody touched the NBA in that league, other than two or three players out of the whole league. These were once lottery picks. These are legends.”

    Now, Jones gets to play alongside the men he grew up watching. To prepare for the upcoming Big3 season, he trains with his childhood best friend, Terry Rose, on the same court where he first played.

    “We train every day if we can,” Rose said.

    Not only does this opportunity serve as inspiration for Jones’ children, it’s also a reminder to the community he loves.

    “There’s more than one way to get to Walmart,” he said.

    Or, in Jones’ case, more than one way to reach a goal.

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  • Polk County century-old theater reopening after damage from Hurricane Milto

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    FROSTPROOF, Fla. — A century-old theater is preparing to reopen Friday after sustaining significant damage during Hurricane Milton.

    According to staff at Frostproof’s Ramon Theater, it was the first time in years they had to shut down due to a storm. 

    Board President Lynd Harper was among the first to step inside the Ramon Theater the day after Milton. She said not even their murder mystery shows could have prepared her for the shocking scene.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Ramon Theater in Frostproof is preparing to reopen Friday after experiencing damage from Milton
    • The storm ripped a large portion of the theater’s roof 

    • If you’d like to attend Friday’s show, you can purchase tickets here


    “My first thought was, ‘Oh my God,’” she said. “It was just debris, roofing material all over the stage, dirt, dust, and of course, water.”

    Harper said strong winds from the storm ripped off a large portion of the building’s roof.

    “All you could see was daylight and rafters,” she said.

    While the Frostproof Chamber of Commerce worked on repairs, the theater had no choice but to cancel shows and refund tickets. Thankfully, Harper said community members stepped in and provided alternative venues.

    “We made it happen,” Harper said. “We did one at the VFW Hall down the way, and our last one for New Year’s Eve, we did it at Frostproof Church of God.”

    Now, the theater is gearing up for its first show since the hurricane.

    When Spectrum Bay News 9 arrived, electric fans were spread across the auditorium carpet after a deep cleaning. But Harper is confident the building will look as it once did come Friday.

    “It’s going to be wonderful getting back to normal,” she said. 

    If you’d like to attend Friday’s show, you can purchase tickets here. Doors open at 7 p.m.

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  • Mother speaks after children’s father charged in Lakeland fiery crash

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. —  A Lakeland father is charged with manslaughter for a car crash that killed his 5-year-old daughter and injured his 3-year-old son in November.

    What You Need To Know

    • 30-year-old Kody Wills faces several charges for a fiery car crash that killed 5-year-old daughter and injured his 3-year-old son

    • According to a toxicology, Wills’ blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit

    • Wills is being held at the Polk County Jail with no bond.  His next hearing is scheduled for Monday at 1 p.m.


    Logan Deines, the mother of his children, says it’s a tragedy that could have been avoided.

    “It’s very upsetting. It’s very frustrating. This wouldn’t be a reality had he just said, ‘Hey, I can’t keep the kids today,’” she said.

    Polk County sheriff’s deputies arrested 30-year-old Kody Wills on Tuesday. Authorities say he was driving the car involved in the fiery wreck on Nov. 7. According to a toxicology report from the University of Florida Pathology Lab, Wills’ blood alcohol content was 0.25 — three times the legal limit — when he crashed into a wooded area near Lake Parker Drive with his children in the backseat.

    “I think it’s very selfish of somebody to even get that drunk, knowing it’s their day to get their kids and having multiple opportunities to leave the children in a safe environment,” Deines said. “You took it upon yourself to get them.”

    Kody Wills faces several charges for a fiery car crash that killed 5-year-old daughter and injured his 3-year-old son. (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)

    Deines was home at the time of the incident. Thankfully, she says Good Samaritan AJ Slater was there to jump into action after hearing Wills’ cries. Slater told Spectrum Bay News 9 that he reached into the burning car and pulled out 3-year-old Walker first. He tried to rescue 5-year-old Joylynn, but she didn’t survive.

    “I’m grateful that AJ was there and I’m grateful he was able to jump in and save Walker, but at the same time, the person behind the wheel should have never put the kids in that position,” Deines said.

    Wills now faces several charges, including DUI manslaughter and negligent child abuse. However, Deines says no number of charges will ever be enough. She hopes this tragedy serves as a lesson to other parents.

    “Be sorry for protecting your kids, not because you have to live without them,” she said.

    Wills is being held at the Polk County Jail with no bond, pending a judge’s ruling on a motion for pretrial detention. The hearing is scheduled for Monday at 1 p.m.

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  • Local TikTok sensation prepares for possible ban

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    What started as a passion in church has helped turn Kechardae Callins into a TikTok sensation.

    What You Need To Know

    • TikTok helped grow Kechardae Callins’  his brand, gain 1.5 million followers, and secure major opportunities

    • With a potential TikTok ban looming, Callins says he is shifting his focus to YouTube and Instagram to maintain his audience

    • Callins remains positive, viewing the potential ban as an opportunity to expand on other platforms


    “I’m grateful for it,” he said. “To wake up every day, make content, play the drums, and really do what I love to do.”

    Callins, popularly known as Ke Drummerboy, began posting videos on TikTok in 2019. While a video of him doing backflips went viral first, it’s his musical talent that keeps his 1.5 million followers coming back for more.

    “TikTok made me a brand. It made my brand, Ke Drummerboy,” Callins said. “I get to set my own prices. I have a huge support system, so it definitely opened up a lot of doors for me.”

    That includes performing on stage with artists like popular rapper Toosii.

    Over time, the Polk County native says TikTok has become a major revenue stream for him. But recently, he’s begun finding new ways to engage with his audience after lawmakers warned that the platform may soon be banned.

    “Of course, I was upset, but I couldn’t dwell on it,” Callins said. “As soon as they said that, I started engaging with my followers on TikTok, telling them, ‘Go follow me on YouTube, go follow me on Instagram.’ I’m trying to get as many people as I can.”

    Lawmakers have set a date for TikTok to be removed from app stores on Jan. 19, after experts cited national security concerns. Just nine days before that, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments about whether forcing a sale of TikTok or imposing a ban is unconstitutional.

    Luckily, Callins says he has a large presence on Instagram and YouTube, so he would be able to rely on revenue from those platforms. However, he has friends who have focused exclusively on TikTok.

    “I feel for them, but we’re going to get right on the next platform,” he said.

    Ultimately, Callins said he sees the potential loss as an opportunity to do more of what he loves.

    In a statement regarding the upcoming Supreme Court case, TikTok said: “We believe the Court will find the TikTok ban unconstitutional, so the over 170 million Americans on our platform can continue to exercise their free speech rights.”

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